Manchester’s political figures have paid tribute to Councillor Sheila Newman who died suddenly last night.

Sixty two year old Newman who has represented the Chorlton ward for nearly twenty years, was first elected to the council in 1982.

She was born in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders and attended Aberdeen University before moving to Manchester in 1978 to train as a teacher.

She had served as executive member for Children’s services and was currently the Lady Mayoress after her husband Eddie took up that position last spring.

The leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese, led tributes to her.

Sir Richard Leese said: “Sheila Newman served this city with dedication for more than three decades. As Executive Member for Children’s Services, she cared deeply about children and young people in Manchester and was absolutely determined to help them get the best start in life. She had recently overseen significant improvements to safeguarding services recognised by Ofsted.

“Sheila was also a committed champion of the areas she represented, most notably her home ward of Chorlton ward where she was elected in 1999, and a school governor for more than 25 years. She became Lady Mayoress in November last year and was enjoying the role.

“Her sudden and unexpected death has come as a great shock to us all and she will be very much missed as a friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with her husband, the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Eddy Newman, their daughters and their family at this difficult time.”

Fellow Chorlton Councillor Matt Strong said on Twitter

“People may have heard that our dear colleague Sheila Newman passed away overnight. I am totally devastated. Sheila was an amazing mentor, friend and comrade. She loved Chorlton and the people who lived here, dedicating nearly twenty years of her life to representing us.”

MP Azfal Khan said

I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Cllr Sheila Newman. I worked closely with Sheila during my time at Manchester City Council Children’s Services, both when I was her assistant executive and when I myself was the exec member.”

 

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