Reform plan to move Bolton back into Lancashire sparks row

Discussion over whether Bolton should remain part of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) or become part of a reorganised Lancashire has gathered momentum following Labour’s sharp criticism of Reform UK’s plans.

Trevor Jones, chair of Reform UK in Bolton, has defended the proposal, while the town’s Labour leadership has strongly opposed it.

Labour has warned that the move would “rip Bolton out of the successful Greater Manchester partnership and force the town into a county facing major structural upheaval and uncertainty”.

The party also claims Reform UK “has failed to be honest with residents about the consequences of this move”.

According to Labour, proposed changes to local governance in Lancashire, including the creation of large unitary authorities, could see Bolton incorporated into a broader “South Lancashire” area, alongside towns such as Burnley, Pendle and Blackburn.

Nick Peel, leader of Bolton Council’s Labour group, said the proposal would have far-reaching implications for local decision-making and public services.

“Reform UK’s plan would drag Bolton backwards,” said Cllr Peel, who also leads Bolton Council.

“Leaving Greater Manchester means losing investment, losing transport benefits, and losing our seat at the table in one of the most successful devolved regions in the country.

“At the same time, Reform-led Lancashire is planning to scrap its councils entirely and replace them with distant mega-authorities.

“That means Bolton being lumped into a sprawling ‘South Lancashire’ structure with little connection to our town.

“This is not about local pride, it’s about political posturing at the expense of Bolton residents.

“People here deserve better than to be used as part of an experiment that risks jobs, investment, and essential services.”

Labour pointed to potential impacts on transport arrangements linked to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, including the Bee Network, capped bus fares, and concessionary travel.

Concerns were also raised over investment secured through devolved funding, such as support for the new medical school in Farnworth, adding that “there is no guarantee that such investment would have been secured under a Lancashire system”.

Bolton’s Reform UK branch, however, says the issue should ultimately be decided by residents if the party gains control.

Trevor Jones, the branch’s chairperson and a candidate in Tonge with The Haulgh in May’s local elections, said he has been suggesting the idea for years.

“They laughed at me and said, ‘pie in the sky, it’ll never happen’,” said Mr Jones.

“The last thing they thought was that four years down the line we’d be running Lancashire County Council.”

Mr Jones said if Reform UK were to lead Bolton Council, residents would be given a vote on the issue.

“We would ask on a voting slip, would you like to stay as part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or would you like to return to Lancashire as a Unitary Authority.

“It’s called democracy.”

Mr Jones has been campaigning with leaflets under the slogan “Lancs not Mancs”, setting out Reform UK’s wider priorities on local government, housing and council spending.

In the leaflet, he argues for a referendum on Bolton’s governance, alongside proposals for a full audit of council finances, measures to improve street cleanliness, stronger action on fly-tipping, and a focus on prioritising housing for residents.

It also raises concerns about the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough.

The leaflet says: “We will seek a referendum on leaving the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and returning fully to the county of Lancashire as a Unitary Authority with the help of the Reform UK run Lancashire County Council.

“This will save Bolton millions each year to invest locally and put an end to Andy Burnham’s 19.4 per cent yearly Mayoral increases.”

The 2026 Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council election will take place on May 7, alongside other local elections in the UK.

One third of the 60 members of Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in Greater Manchester will be elected.

You can find a list of all candidates standing in the Bolton Council elections on the Bolton News website.