DENTON West’s Councillor Dawson Lane has resigned, citing “personal family circumstances” for his decision.
The 79-year-old had been a councillor for 11 years, succeeding Andrew Gwynne when he became MP for Denton and Reddish.
Dawson had decided not seek re-election in May 2020, but family issues forced him to stand down sooner.
Dawson was possibly also unique in holding all four ceremonial posts in the borough – mayor, deputy mayor, consort when wife Jackie was mayor and deputy consort to her.
Jackie, who represents Dukinfield ward, said: “Dawson had a great time representing the residents of Dane Bank.
“He has received lots of messages thanking him for his service and wishing him all the best for the future.”
When Dawson was elected in 2008 it was by the narrow margin of 13 votes. In 2012 and 2016, he recorded landslide victories.
A by-election will only take place if two members of the electorate call an election in writing to Tameside’s returning officer. If that does not happen, the post will remain vacant until the scheduled election in May.