Green Party candidate for Bromley Cross this May election

Joe Burton is standing for the Green Party in the ward, which has returned Conservative councillors for more than 20 years. He believes changes in the area mean voters may now be open to something different.

Mr Burton said the area has seen a shift in its population in recent years. He pointed to more family homes replacing older properties and bringing in younger residents.

He said: “Bromley Cross is a fantastic place to live, but I’m hearing on the doorstep that people might be looking for something new.

 “There’s a younger, more family-oriented population in Bromley Cross now, and that can bring different priorities.”

Green Party candidates this election. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burton works in the charity sector and has done so for around 15 years. He is part of the leadership team at a national youth organisation that supports young people getting into the arts.

He also volunteers with Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Amy Cowen has decided to give up her spot as a conservative ward councillor ahead of the 2026 May local elections, with a view to Charlotte Cadden being handed the baton.

Traffic congestion is one of the main issues Mr Burton has heard about. He said problems on the surrounding roads often affect Bromley Cross.

He said: “If anything happens in Astley Bridge or Tonge Moor, it has a knock-on effect and Bromley Cross can get backed up very quickly.

 “There can be long queues along Blackburn Road, and it causes frustration for people trying to get to work.”

He said: “It is about having a more joined-up approach so that plans in other wards take Bromley Cross into account.”

Joe Burton. (Image: Supplied)

Mr Burton said he would not promise quick fixes but would push for better coordination across the area.

He also raised concerns about development in the area.

He said Tong Fields is one of the main sites that residents are worried about

Mr Burton said: “People are concerned about the impact development could have on the community and the roads.”

He added: “It is not about being against development but making sure the community is involved in decisions.”

Mr Burton aims to bring a different perspective if elected, working with existing councillors but also offering new ideas.

He said: “After many years of the same representation, even one different voice can bring new thinking.

“I would like to build that momentum so people see the Green Party as a real presence in Bromley Cross.”

Cllr Nadim Muslim, currently representing the ward, said: “At the end of the day, we’re getting a strong team working hard with Charlotte.

“Some candidates are inexperienced and speak of national issues. We are not bringing them into this campaign and keeping it local instead.

Nadim Muslim, currently representing Bromley Cross and Egerton (Image: Public)

“We are prioritising local issues.

“This is for Bolton Council. It should be voting about what we are going to do, like having more police on our streets.”