ONE OF Tameside’s longest serving councillors is believed to have been overlooked for the next election.
Ann Holland has represented Labour for the Droylsden West ward for 36 years, since being elected in June 1989.
But The Correspondent understands the party has not chosen her to stand at the next local poll in May 2026.
Cllr Holland, who turns 80-years-old in December, has never been afraid of speaking her mind, particularly when it comes to issues relating to the town.
News of her deselection comes as the masterplan for Droylsden revealed several ideas.
Options for the town include reinstating a branch canal route into its centre, helping its football club get better facilities and linking things up much better and generating more civic pride.
Also on the table is what to do with the Concord Suite, which some feel is ‘holding back the development of the town,’ including demolishing it completely.
It is expected a new candidate will stand for Labour following the decision by Ashton-under-Lyne Constituency Labour Party (CLP), under which Droylsden comes.
Cllr Holland, whose husband Barrie also represents Droylsden West, caused controversy in 2014 with comments about her smoking while she was pregnant.
She said at the time: “I did smoke while pregnant. I am really sick and tired of the smoker being victimised all the time.”