AFTER 27 years’ service to the people of Droylsden East, Jim Middleton has announced that he is to stand down as a Tameside councillor with immediate effect.
Citing failing health as the reason for his resignation, Cllr Middleton said: “I feel it would be in the best interests of all concerned if I stood down to allow someone who is as passionate and committed to the area as me, but with the necessary energy to take on the mantle of representing the fine people of Droylsden East – a role I have loved and been proud to undertake.”
Cllr Middleton, who will be 83 on October 10, was born in central Manchester and educated in Beswick. A coachbuilder by trade, he spent many years as a branch secretary for the old National Union of Public Employees.
The executive leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Kieran Quinn, a fellow Droylsden East member, commented: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Jim for more than 20 years.
“He is a dedicated man who has worked tirelessly for his town and his borough. He has been mayor and deputy mayor, a school governor, and has served the council in many positions including chair of Droylsden District Assembly.
“It says much for Jim that as soon as he realised he would be unable to give his job as councillor the commitment it required, he decided to stand down.”
The by-election for one seat in the Droylsden East ward will take place on Thursday, October 26.
