Independents’ day at Tameside Council elections

TAMESIDE has a new independent look to its council after two candidates overthrew Labour Party stalwarts.

David McNally’s 13 years of experience counted for nothing as Kaleel Khan won the contest in St Peter’s ward with a majority of 348.

The last time a single representative was returned in an election, in 2022, the Labour candidate received the largest majority of anyone.

And in Stalybridge North, Jan Jackson’s eight-year tenure was ended as Steven Barton was returned with a 116 majority.

Throw in Conservative Chris Halligan conquering sitting councillor Jim Fitzpatrick in Hyde Werneth and it is easy to describe it as a poor night for the sitting Labour regime.

It now has 48 councillors, down from 51, with seven Tories and the two independents, who tapped into what they felt those in position did not do.

Some Labour councillors held on to their seats with increased majorities but the new faces in the chamber will catch the eye and the headlines.

Another independent, Aaisha Ajmal, came within 300 votes of winning the Ashton St Michael’s ward.

Full coverage of this year’s Tameside elections, including interviews with the independent winners, to come on The Correspondent in the coming days.