Well-known Bolton face celebrates huge milestone in local politics
A local councillor is celebrating an impressive milestone today – after a lifetime spent in local politics.
Cllr John Walsh, 73, was first elected to Bolton Council on May 1, 1975 – 50 years ago today.
He said: 'I was the youngest councillor elected when I was first elected!
'I still keep going – the enthusiasm hasn't waned!'
(Image: Newsquest) Of those 50 years, Cllr Walsh has spent 43 of them as a councillor – first for Halliwell and then for Astley Bridge.
He said: 'Ironically – on polling day in 1979 – I lost my seat on the day that Margaret Thatcher won the government.
'I lost my seat – but it was a small price to pay in that sense!'
Cllr Walsh lost his seat for the second time in 1995 – during the 'poll tax year' – but regained it shortly after.
He said: 'I've seen a lot of changes over the years – not always for the better.
'But I come back every time – having lost twice – I do it because I enjoy it so much.
'I love to be able to help people and I love to be able to influence what goes on in Bolton.
'It's a twofold job of a councillor to be involved in debate and influencing great decisions, but also helping every single elector who comes to me.
'I'm not bothered whether people vote for me or against me in terms of helping them – if they've got an issue and they want my help – I'm more than happy to assist them.'
Cllr Walsh's passion for politics started from a very young age, fighting his first election – a mock election – at the age of 12.
He's been a parliamentary candidate twice over the years – for Bolton South East in 1983 and Bury North in 2001.
Cllr Walsh also ran the Conservative campaign in Bolton North East in 1992 – 'the most marginal seat in England' – which was held onto by a razor-thin margin.
For his dedication to 'public and political service' he was awarded an OBE by then-Prime Minister John Major.
Cllr Walsh served as mayor between 2002 and 2003 which he called a 'huge honour and achievement'.
John Walsh is also church warden at Bolton Parish Church and said his faith drives him (Image: Newsquest) For the last five years he's served as chairman of the planning committee – initially elected by the Conservatives – last year he was reelected by parties across the board.
Cllr Walsh said: 'I've helped run committees and I've hopefully had some influence on some of the big decisions in Bolton.
'I remember my first speech in council in 1975.
'I was asked to go to a meeting of Greater Manchester Council, as it was at the time, and argue why Bolton needed a northern relief road – Topp Way as it became – to relieve congestion in the northern part of the borough.
'I would like to think I had some influence in persuading GMC to fund that road scheme.
'I've had the great privilege of arguing for – not always successfully – other major developments in the town.
'There are physical things in the town that I'm pleased to have played a role in – albeit a minor role – perhaps only being one vote, but at least arguing and debating the reasons for it.'
Born to a house 'within 200 yards of the town centre' – Cllr Walsh is a proud Boltonian and passionate supporter of the Wanderers.
He's a season-ticket holder and boasts that he's only missed one home match in the last 65 years.
A 'home and away' fan – he's only missed two away matches in the last 45 years too.
Cllr Walsh doesn't just reserve this level of dedication for sports though, and said that he's only missed two council meetings.
He said: 'I hope that my record speaks for itself – I'm pretty assiduous in doing the things that are necessary – both public and privately to keep a work-life balance.
'And I've been fortunate to have been supported by my wife over that period.
'She came from a political family, because her father was a councillor as well, so she knew what politics was about when we were married.'
Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.co.uk
Cllr Walsh has no plans to retire just yet – and voiced his concern about the future of Crompton Place.
He said: 'My concern is that the proposals to demolish Crompton Place are being pushed through – but no development has come forward.
'What I don't want to see is a huge black hole straight across from the town hall – because that would be the worst possible scenario.'
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Cllr Walsh is also church warden for Bolton Parish Church and said that his Christian faith has always been a driving force for him.
He said: 'My Christian faith has been my driving force throughout my life – when I was a child I was the youngest church warden of the Diocese of Manchester.
'Christian belief has been a driving force and I would like to think that my actions throughout my public life are of a Christian foundation.
'My faith gives me the belief that I'm doing the right thing.'
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