By George Lythgoe – Local Democracy Reporter
A SHOCK resignation from a long-time Labour Party member rocked the latest town hall meeting in Tameside.
Just as council leader Eleanor Wills was about to address the chamber in Dukinfield Town Hall, Cllr Ann Holland stood up to announce she was quitting the Labour Party.
As reported previously, Cllr 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 in December, has never been afraid of speaking her mind, particularly when it comes to issues relating to the town.
Disrupting the council meeting on October 7, the now independent councillor said:
“I am making it known that I am no longer a member of the Labour group. I am upset about this. I am a socialist and I am sick and tired of seeing what is going on.”
Her announcement was met with cheers and applause from independents and Conservatives on the other side of the chamber, which was quickly shouted down by Cllr Holland herself.
Cllr Joe Kitchen, chair of council business, said there is a formal process for council members to leave a political group, so her announcement wasn’t officially relevant at the meeting.
Following her shocking outburst, Cllr Holland walked out of the meeting but later returned.
The local elections are due to be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Labour has not yet officially announced its candidate for the Droylsden West ward.
Cllr Holland’s resignation from the Labour Party brings the number of independent councillors in Tameside to nine.