Tributes have been paid to a former Bolton Council leader who has died suddenly at the age of 80. Cliff Morris represented the Halliwell Ward from 1983 before standing down before the local elections this year.
During his tenure, the long-serving councillor was Labour Group leader from June 2004 until December 2017 and leader of the council between May 2006 and January 2018. From its creation in 2011 he was also the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's lead on health and then culture until January 2018.
Martyn Cox, Conservative leader of Bolton Council, said: “It is very sad news. We knew he hadn’t been well for a while and it is very sad for his family who were so devoted.
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“It will be such sad news for them especially. He gave everything he had to the people of Bolton.
“He was a real hard worker and I think he will be remembered for that. He was very capable of showing individual kindness and I think a lot of people will say that Cliff helped them.”
The former mayor was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bolton University on 12 July 2012. In the 1992 General Election he unsuccessfully contested the Bolton West Constituency.
Mr Morris, was father to three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and married to Doreen.
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