Politicians in Tameside have paid tribute to Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh following his death, as a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been cancelled as a mark of respect.

The sad news of Conservative councillor Greenhalgh's death, at the age of 53, was announced on Thursday (29 July). 

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said he was a 'much-loved local son and fearless champion for his town'. 

He said: "We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Councillor David Greenhalgh. 

"David was Bolton through and through - a much-loved local son and fearless champion for his town. 

"When fire devastated The Cube in Bolton Town Centre in 2019, David was immediately on site and led from the front. He has done the same throughout this most challenging of times, standing up for his beloved Bolton but also for the rest of Greater Manchester. 

"As Greater Manchester’s Culture Lead, David has been a passionate advocate for our arts organisations, steering them carefully through the challenges of the pandemic. 

"We will be postponing Friday's meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a mark of our respect for David, his family and friends. The whole of the Greater Manchester family sends our deepest sympathies to them at this difficult time."

Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, added: "Everyone at Greater Manchester Combined Authority is deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Councillor David Greenhalgh, Leader of Bolton Council. 

"Following this sad news, the scheduled Combined Authority meeting on Friday 30 July has been cancelled as a mark of respect. Further information will be communicated in due course. For now, our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time." 

Tameside Council leader Brenda Warrington said she was 'absolutely shocked' by the news. 

She said: "Absolutely shocked to receive this news. The thoughts and condolences of the Tameside family are with all of David's family and friends."

Stalybridge South councillor Doreen Dickinson, leader of the Conservative Group on Tameside Council, said: "I am so so sad at the news of David's death. A beautiful, kind person. Fly high David and sing at the top of your beautiful voice, you will be very sadly missed." 

I am so so sad at the news of David’s death. A beautiful,kind person. Fly high David and sing at the top of your beautiful voice, you will be very sadly missed 🙏 ❤️xx https://t.co/0sAOnjeB4T

— Doreen Dickinson (@DorDic1) July 29, 2021

Stalybridge and Hyde's Labour MP Jonathan Reynolds also paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "So sad to see this shock news. We experienced something similar here in Tameside when Kieran died. Thoughts with David's family and with Bolton Conservatives and Bolton Council." 

So sad to see this shock news tonight. We experienced something similar here in Tameside when Kieran died. Thoughts with David’s family and with @BoltonTories and @boltoncouncil https://t.co/jS993vqTHv

— Jonathan Reynolds (@jreynoldsMP) July 29, 2021