Bev Craig has been announced as the new leader of Manchester City Council, becoming the first woman to take up the role.
Councillor Craig was selected for the position at a Labour meeting on Tuesday evening, and she replaces former leader Sir Richard Leese – who will step down as later this year after 25 years in the role.
Cllr Craig – who moved to Manchester from Northern Ireland in 2003, was elected as a councillor to represent Burnage in 2011, and is openly gay – has played a prominent role in Manchester’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and was recently made deputy leader of the council.
She will officially take over from Sir Richard Leese on 1 December.
We are delighted to announce that Cllr Bev Craig had been elected the new Leader of Manchester City Council
“It is the honour of my life to be elected and offered this chance to lead Manchester,” Cllr Craig said of her new appointment.
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“I stood on a platform of Labour values, committing to further regeneration of the city and continuing the commitment to a greener, cleaner, and more equal city.
“From Blackley to Wythenshawe, I am dedicated to making sure that residents can be proud to live in Manchester [and] now more than ever, we need to make sure Manchester isn’t forgotten in post-pandemic recovery, and that the city’s progress isn’t stymied by Tory incompetence.
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“I am committed to ensuring that Manchester is not left behind.”
Last night @McrLabour elected me as the new Leader of Manchester. I’m humbled to have the privilege to lead our fantastic city. Commiserations to the other great candidates @RahmanCllr @GarryBridges @Ekua4Hulme but Mcr Labour is strong & united. Manchester- We won’t let you down pic.twitter.com/DkmA2dhOam
Sir Richard Leese added: “I am delighted with the new elected leader and she has my full support.
“It is a great honour to take on this role, and I am confident that Bev is committed to ensuring Manchester continues to be the best city in the world.
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“I look forward to seeing Manchester go from strength to strength under her leadership.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Murder investigation launched as man dies two years after ‘life-changing’ Oldham attack
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was attacked two years ago in Oldham.
Ramon Logan was left seriously injured following the assault, which took place in Oldham back in July 2024, resulting in life-changing injuries, and a man was even jailed following the attack while Ramon continued to fight for his life.
Sadly, Ramon died on 30 June at the age of 42.
A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and further reviews are being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Following this and further enquiries that have been carried out, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that officers have now launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Speaking as the murder investigation has been launched, Detective Inspector Andy Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We know how difficult and painful the last two years have been for Ramon’s family, and we are continuing to support them following his death last week.
“We have now launched a murder investigation, and are keeping his family updated as we progress our enquiries. We are assessing all available material and will be making further reviews in due course.”
Ramon’s wife, Charlotte, has also paid tribute to him: “It is with a broken heart I announce the passing of my beautiful husband, Ray Logan, on 30th June. Ray was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, and will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him.
“Ray was a part of so many people’s lives, and as much as we all have our existing memories to remember him by, it is heart-breaking that we won’t get to make any new ones.
“Ray never stopped fighting to get better for the last two years, all we can wish for now is that he gets the justice he deserves.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Manc -
6th October 2021 
