Yesterday we made a new Mayor, or so it goes, as Bury’s councillors gathered at the Town hall to elect a new Mayor of Bury.

This year after some pre-election shenanigans from the Conservatives we finally got round to electing Cllr John Byrne who represents East Ward for Labour.

It’s a very ceremonial event with much back slapping and kind words gushing forth in support of the new first citizen and indeed the endeavours of the outgoing Mayor – Cllr Sheila Magnall. But it is certainly a respectful and honouring occasion when friends, family and dignitaries are present to share the occasion as the gift, responsibility and honour of being the Mayor of the Town is bestowed by your peers.

Sadly all the ceremony and pleasantries was preceeded by an Annual Council meeting that had to deal with some controversial issues surrounding amendments to the council constitution and “reforms” to the leadership of the Council foisted upon us by the previous Labour Government.

Under Labour’s plans yesterday we had to elect a “strong” leader.  Now anyone with a minimal interest in local affairs will now know that following the local elections the Conservatives no longer have a majority on Bury Council and will have to rely to a certain extent on oppostion party support to get key decisions through.

As a result the election of leader was not a forgone conclusion, but as neither the Lib Dems or Labour could bring themselves to support or oppose the Conservative nomination, Cllr Bibby was duly elected leader of the Council.

This was followed by amendments to the council constitution partially designed to fit with this new leadership model and partially to improve the scrutiny and review of council decisions.

Over the past year the scrutiny process in Bury has been roundly condemned by councillors from all three parties and as such it was no surprise that proposals before us yesterday also drew criticism and concerns. Especially concerns about openness , transparency, the real ability to hold the leadership to account and whether too much power was being vested in one person!

Of course we won’t truly be able to give the response to those concerns until probably well into the municipal year. But I pray the new system is better that what we had because otherwise it will be disastrous for our democracy and ensuring good decisions are made.

Time will tell.