The Annual General Meeting of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority has elected Liberal Democrat Councillor Paul Shannon of Manchester City Council, as the new leader of the Authority.

The Fire Authority has been controlled by Labour since 1974. Councillor Shannon will be joined two Conservative Vice and Deputy chairs, including Bury’s own Cllr Jack Walton.

Authority Chairman Councillor Shannon said: “I look forward to working with all elected members on the Authority to make further improvements to our Fire and Rescue Service. The tragic events in Bolton earlier this week bring home to Councillors on the Authority the dangers faced by our firefighters every day. We will continue to ensure that our Fire and Rescue Service remains at the forefront of protecting our community.”