ASHTON MP Angela Rayner told how she was left awestruck by how the Queen dedicated herself to her duty – while also being a loving grandmother.
The deputy leader of the Labour Party was joined by leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Ged Cooney, as she signed a book of condolence at then town’s library on Saturday, September 10.
And she spoke about how she met Her Majesty virtually and was able to make people feel at ease.
Angela said: “One of the proudest moments of my life for me – and also my family – was when I was sworn into the Privy Council.
“These kinds of things just don’t happen to people like me – a girl from a council estate in Stockport.
“It was surreal to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself on Zoom. She could put anyone at ease adapting to challenging circumstances and change.
“Most of all, though, she was a loving grandmother – and for me, as a grandmother myself, I know and understand the complete love she had for her family.
“To us, she was our Queen, our national figurehead, the greatest and longest serving monarch in British history.
“To the Royal Family – she was also ‘granny.’”
Ms Rayner was as excited as anyone when news of The Queen coming to the area came through and recalled some of her trips.
She also recalled the scenes around Tameside as the borough celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
She added: “She visited Greater Manchester many times and was always welcomed with love by the local community.
“She was last in Manchester a year ago to visit the Coronation Street set, where the cast greeted her at the Rovers Return pub to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary.
“And it is just three months since the streets of Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth were decked with Union Flags as we came together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
“Our local papers printed special additions packed with photographs of people throwing events to showcase their love for Her Majesty The late Queen. Sincere. Heartfelt. A fitting tribute.”
Above all, though, was the impact Her Majesty made on society.
Angela continued: “I have always taken great inspiration from our Queen. She was a woman who found herself in a position of leadership at such a young age.
“A woman who threw herself into service, as not just the most recognisable but also the most admired of global leaders.
“A woman who steered those she loved through times of joy and darkness, always drawing on her inner strength to help those most in need.
“I am in awe of the way she took on this unimaginable responsibility. She got on with job, never stopped and has set an example to all of us.
“Her Majesty the late Queen was a constant figure of strength, integrity and service throughout all our lives.
“She was an inspiration to women across the world, a matriarch in the truest sense, with complete devotion to her duty, her family and her country. She set an example of leadership for women everywhere.
“The outpouring of condolences from leaders across the world is testament to that – she was our national figurehead but reached people across the globe – for decades.
“She rose above division – reigning through some of the most difficult political periods in British history, and serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the War as a mechanic and driver.
“More recently, we will never forget how she guided us through the despair and loneliness of the pandemic.
“Her values of public service and dignity never wavered.
“Now she is gone. But she will be forever missed. And always in our hearts.”