A TAMESIDE councillor will not stand at the next election after admitting he is getting too old.
Dave Howarth, current Labour representative for Ashton Waterloo, will not be seeking re-election in May 2026.
And after serving the area since being returned at the polls in May 2023, he was honest about his reasoning,
Cllr Howarth said: “Unfortunately, I am not getting any younger. At this stage of my life, I had a decision to make.
“Earlier this year – after speaking with my family, close friends and colleagues, I decided to stand down at the end of my term.
“I am Waterloo through and through. I was born here and I retired here. After working hard all my life, I was looking forward to enjoying my retirement.
“However, when the opportunity arose for me to stand as your ward councillor, it was something I could not turn down.
“To be elected in May 2023 was the greatest honour and privilege of my life.
“I would like to thank this wonderful community for all of your support over these past two-and-a-half years, and I wish my successor – whoever they may be, my sincerest best wishes.”
Cllr Howarth’s decision means another change to the Tameside Council chamber next year.
A number of current councillors will not be standing at all, while Droylsden’s Ann Holland is now an Independent after not being selected by Labour for the next election and subsequently resigning from the party.