The flag at Stockport Town Hall will be flown at half mast to remember 'force to be reckoned with' Councillor Sheila Bailey, who has passed away. The news was announced on Wednesday night (August 3) officially by Stockport Council.
Coun Bailey, who represented the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward, was first elected in 1990 - 32 years ago. Up until her death, the Labour councillor was representing her ward alongside Councillor Louise Heywood and Councillor Matt Wynne.
She had also previously been made cabinet member for Sustainable Stockport. People paid tribute to Bailey after the sad announcement was made on Wednesday.
The announcement in full read: "We are saddened to announce that Councillor Sheila Bailey has passed away. Councillor Bailey was a Labour councillor, first elected to Stockport Council in 1990, representing the Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward.
"The flag at Stockport Town Hall will be flown half-mast tomorrow as a mark of respect. Our thoughts are with Councillor Bailey’s family."
Paying heartfelt tributes, Labour MP for Stockport Navendu Mishra said: "Saddened by the news that Councillor Sheila Bailey has passed away. She was a long standing housing campaigner and wanted excellent public services for all.
"A highly valued member of the Stockport Labour family who will be missed by many. My condolences to Philip and all her family and friends."
And Andrew Gwynne, Labour MP for Denton and Reddish wrote: "So very sad to hear that Councillor Sheila Bailey has passed away. She was a formidable person and an amazing politician; a servant of Stockport.
"My former Office Manager, and that of Andrew Bennett, before me, and a Stockport Councillor representing Edgeley and Cheadle Heath for over 30 years, she was Labour through and through. Above all she was a good friend."
Others paid tribute beneath Stockport Council's announcement, as one person wrote: "Unbelievably sad news. Sheila served this community for so many years and was a force to be reckoned with. She gave her all and brought so much good to Edgeley and Cheadle Heath."
Another read: "Sheila was such a force for good, supportive and always wanted the best for her constituents. Rest peacefully Sheila. Our sincere condolences to Philip and her family".
Followed by: "So sad to read this news. A wonderful lady, excellent servant to her beloved Stockport and Labour Party. Sheila was a good friend to our family will be so missed by all."
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