STEVEN Barton has been told it is time to deliver after ousting long-serving ‘impossible to replace’ councillor Jan Jackson on a ‘very sad day.’
The Labour representative lost her Stalybridge North seat, which she had held for eight years, in the local elections on Thursday, May 2.
But her area party could not hide its disappointment at coming second to Steven Barton by 116 votes.
It also warned the new man that the hard work starts now.
In a statement, it said: “In our opinion, this was a very sad day for our ward, but we live in a democracy and a new, independent councillor has been elected.
“However, being a councillor is very different to being a candidate.
“Certain standards will have to be maintained, and, like us, he will be held to account for delivering on his promises.
“Though independent, he too will be subject to the tough financial constraints imposed on the council by this Government, and the challenges this brings to us all.”
The now former Cllr Jackson, who had served Stalybridge North since 2016, also saw husband Jim Fitzpatrick lose his seat in Hyde Werneth to Conservative Chris Halligan.
And her party believes a key part of its work has been lost.
Cllr Christine Beardmore added: “Anyone who knows Jan, who benefitted from her professional help, knowledge and experience, will know what an excellent councillor she was. How proud she is of our area and how she championed our communities.
“She will be impossible to replace.
“At a ward level, we have worked together as a united team of Labour councillors, complementing each other’s skills and strengths to work for you.
“In the last year, we have always supported our volunteers and projects, promoting the great things that are happening in our communities, rather than concentrating on the negative.
“As a team, we have covered a wide range of work in the ward and it has worked more effectively than for some time.
“On a personal level, we have much to thank Jan for. She supported myself as a new councillor, providing much needed guidance and advice.
“She also took on most of the ward’s work responsibilities late in 2022 when Adrian Pearce was ill and underwent a subsequent treatment programme.
“We cannot thank Jan enough for her support, discretion and kindness.”