Reform UK Bolton boycotts celebrations to mark the new Mayor

Reform UK Bolton’s leader Trevor Jones said the party has refused to attend a mayoral banquet over concerns about the cost to taxpayers, sparking a reaction from other parties.

The party’s group leader said Reform councillors would not attend any banquet paid for by Bolton Council while residents are struggling financially.

Cllr Jones said in a social media post: “Our 10 Reform Bolton councillors will not be attending any banquets that are paid for by Bolton council taxpayers whilst we have food banks and Boltonians struggling to make ends meet.”

Mohammed Iqbal, Bolton’s mayor for 2026, on the left. (Image: NQ)

A mayoral ceremony took place this morning, swearing in Cllr Mohammed Iqbal for Great Lever as first citizen followed by a celebratory civic event at Bolton Town Hall.

All 60 councillors have been invited to attend the events as part of the borough’s annual mayor-making proceedings.

But Labour councillor Andy Morgan, representing Heaton, Lostock and Chew Moor, rejected claims there would be a “Town Hall banquet.”

He said: “Councillors attending the Mayoral ceremony are doing so out of respect for the office of the Mayor and the civic traditions of our town, nothing more.

Cllr Andy Morgan on the right with Cllr David Chadwick, Deputy Mayor. (Image: NQ)

“Many of those attending tomorrow’s event work day in and day out, whilst also working a day job or running a business.

“What they are also doing is supporting residents who are vulnerable, isolated, struggling financially, or without the family and support networks that many others rely on by promoting inclusion and promoting unity.”

Cllr Morgan said portraying the event as “lavish” is “simply dishonest”.

(Image: NQ)

He added in the post: “Peddling misinformation for political point scoring only creates unnecessary division in Bolton.

“Our town deserves better than manufactured outrage and false narratives.

“Let’s have some civic pride in our town and borough!”