Latest news with #NadimMuslim
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Row erupts as opposition councillors brand VE Day decorations ‘dismal'
A row has erupted about VE Day 80th displays in and around Bolton Town Hall which have been described by some opposition councillors as "abysmal". Bolton Conservatives posted images of decorations and commemorations in the town centre to mark today's anniversary. They show a poppy display which sweeps down the town hall steps and small Union flags which have been placed in flower beds and herbaceous borders. The cam net poppy display outside Bolton Town Hall placed to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Image: Supplied) But Labour and independent councillors defended the displays and criticised people trying to political point score as "the lowest of the low". In a Facebook post, the Conservative group, said: 'Bolton Labour had planned nothing to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and are now scrambling to put up these dismal displays. 'Do you think that Bolton deserves better?' The Tories' new leader on Bolton Council, Cllr Nadim Muslim called the display "embarrassing". Bolton Conservatives have branded the display around the town hall 'embarassing' He said: 'A sad indictment of Bolton Labour. No care for Bolton, whatsoever, but they were more than happy to do a full event for the socialist International Workers' Day.' Cllr Hilary Fairclough echoed those views. She said: 'This 'show' is abysmal, and an insult to those who lived through the dreadful war years, many of whom didn't make it to see VE Day.' However, Cllr Ryan Bamforth, an independent councillor representing Horwich North and Bolton Council's armed forces champion, has defended the displays and called those criticising them "disrespectful". Cllr Bamforth, himself a veteran having served 20 years in the army, said: 'Let's remember, I and other veterans didn't fight and for some, die for this country for decorations, displays or gratitude. 'We served because it was the right thing to do. 'To attempt to use this occasion as a political boxing glove is nothing short of disrespectful, disgraceful and vile. 'We deserve better than what some are putting on display, politics is a vile environment at times, keep the armed forces out of it. 'Respect those that gave all for your freedoms, they didn't die for your political parties, they died for the freedom of the people, for the Victory in Europe and this week we should be celebrating that, nothing less, nothing more.' Cllr Bamforth said he "loved the simplicity of the cam net with poppies" on display and the town hall. He added: 'They are symbolic of war, sacrifice, peace and the freedoms we have today, but more importantly, they help us remember those that gave all.' Council leader, Labour's Nick Peel, said: 'Politics has its place but for some people to slate our poppy display to score a point, is the lowest of the low.' The closing event of the borough's celebrations will be a civic church service and beacon lighting at Bolton Parish Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 8. Military standards will be on parade, the mayor of Bolton will lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Bolton, and Bolton Hoover Band will perform both wartime and military songs. At 9.30pm, Bolton will join communities across the UK and the Commonwealth in lighting a beacon from the top of the church tower. Attendance is free and free refreshments will be served in the church afterwards.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The new leader of Bolton Tories on his upbringing, politics and Margaret Thatcher
After being unanimously elected as the new leader of Bolton's opposition party, Cllr Nadim Muslim has spoken to the Bolton News about his upbringing, his political inspiration and what he sees for the borough's future.'So, I first became interested in politics from a young age, I would say when I was a pupil at Turton School around the 2010 election time. I remember researching the different political parties, weighing up my options and the Conservative Party was the one that resonated the most with my values. 'After coming back to Bolton from uni, I began to get more involved in local politics and eventually stood at the 2015 election as a councillor for Crompton ward, as it was known back then. I didn't get it, I stood again in 2016 and eventually in 2018 I was elected to Bromley Cross.''A lot of it was from my father, he came to England from Pakistan when I was little. He owned a small business, be believed in family and family values, he was trying to achieve the best that he could in every way. I learned a lot from his work ethic and drew inspiration politically from his approach. 'These Conservative values of enterprise, faith, tradition, law and order – these are all things that I was raised with.' READ MORE:'I would definitely say the most prominent political figure that helped shape my own position was Margaret Thatcher. She did a lot of good for the country to make people richer and re-wired England to make it a better place. She was truly an inspirational politician. 'This is something that I believe we could benefit from today, it's not seen often enough – I would definitely say some of her policies helped shape my own view and the way I navigate politics.''Yes definitely, I think the key is a Bolton-first approach. I've noticed a lot of the discussion at the moment is wasting time talking about issues in America, or overseas. These things don't necessarily affect Bolton, and these aren't discussions that people here necessarily feel moved by. 'An obvious alternative to this is a Bolton approach. We want to broach topics that are relevant to the people of Bolton and can make a different to daily lives. Our party is also unified, we are a united group that is ready to do what is right for Bolton. 'Going forward, we will solely be focused on delivering for Bolton residents. That means we will table motions at Full Council that are specific to Bolton and not international disputes. "Our time in council should be used to affect change on issues we can control domestically.'
