The leader of Oldham council has paid tribute to ‘pioneer’ councillor Jean Stretton who was the first woman to lead the local authority. It was confirmed this weekend that long-serving Labour councillor and cabinet member Jean Stretton had died aged 64.
She had represented the Hollinwood ward for 19 years in two stretches as councillor, and held the role as leader of the town hall for two years from 2016 to 2018. Coun Stretton was the first woman to head up the council in Oldham’s history. Since her time in office there have been two more female leaders, including current leader Coun Amanda Chadderton.
She held several cabinet positions in areas including housing, health and wellbeing, town centres, culture and tourism. At the time of her death she held the portfolio for neighbourhoods. Paying tribute to her colleague, Coun Chadderton said: “Jean’s death has come a complete shock to everyone here at the council. She was attending meetings and keeping busy with ward and borough-wide work only last week.
