RAMSBOTTOM councillor John Byrne was expected to be elected leader of Bury Council today.

The Labour group is the largest party on the council, with an overall majority of three seats.

The group is recommending a new executive board with Coun Wayne Campbell set to be re-appointed as the council's deputy leader and executive member for resource.

Of the previous portfolio holders, only Coun Siobhan Costello, community services, and Coun Tony Isherwood, performance management, keep their old positions on the executive.

If the new executive is approved by full council, Coun Margaret Gibb will become executive member for lifelong learning, taking over from Coun Steve Perkins, who will take on regeneration and housing from Coun Tim Chamberlain.

Coun Chamberlain will move across to take on the health and social services portfolio.

Coun Mike Connolly is set to take on the environment and transport portfolio, previously held by Coun Stella Smith, who lost her seat in last week's election.

The council leader today thanked Coun Smith for her work as executive member for environment and transport, which includes responsibility for car parking and waste management.