A 'tenacious' independent councillor from Wigan who 'was still helping people in hospital' while he waited for a heart transplant has died at the age of 44.
Paul Maiden, who has represented residents in Hindley Green since 2018, had recently announced from a hospital bed that he would stand down in May.
The former band promoter, who was involved in a car accident some years ago, had been waiting for a heart transplant since suffering a health scare last year.
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But after spending months in hospital, the diabetic said that several toes and part of his foot had to be removed and a further amputation may be needed.
Paul died soon after in a Salford hospital on Sunday (February 20) night.
Colleagues, constituents and small businesses have paid tribute to Mr Maiden.
Fellow independent councillor for Hindley Green Bob Brierley described him as a 'fun-loving guy' who valued his role as an elected representative.
He said: "He was a brilliant councillor. He always made his mark in the town hall.
"He was a very, very clever man. He was helping small businesses during the Covid crisis. And he fully supported the residents of Hindley Green."
Coun Brierley said Maiden was in 'excruciating' pain – but he hoped to recover and return to politics in time for the 2023 all-out elections at Wigan council.
Atherton councillor Stuart Gerrard, who leads the Independent Alliance - a political group which Maiden was a member of - was 'deeply upset' by the news of his death.
He said: "Paul was a tenacious councillor who put his constituents first and foremost and was never afraid to stand up for them and hold the council to account for them.
"On behalf of the Independent Alliance we send our thoughts and prayers to Paul's family and friends, he will be sorely missed."
Maiden was credited for helping small businesses during the Covid crisis.
He was defiant in his defence of businesses which had been reprimanded by the authorities when hospitality reopened following the first Covid lockdown.
More recently, he supported traders fighting the council's plans to redevelop the Galleries shopping centre, which includes the demolition of Wigan Market.
Speaking on behalf of some of the traders, Ron Westhead paid tribute to him.
He said: "Paul was an exceptional councillor who would help and support anyone who was in need of it and was not afraid to stand up and speak out.
"The people of Hindley and Wigan, who he represented for many years have lost a champion who will be sorely missed.
"A small example of Paul’s help was when in lockdown and cleaning products were in short supply he went to the local wholesaler and bought at his own expense toilet rolls and cleaning products for the old and infirm and needy people of his ward saying that 'people with disabilities should not have to stand outside Tesco’s in a queue for toilet rolls'.
"Even when he was in hospital awaiting a very serious operation he was helping his fellow patients claim what benefits they were rightly entitled to.
"He worked tirelessly in helping independent traders in Wigan get a fair deal."
Wigan council has lowered the flags at the town hall to half mast for Maiden.
A statement on the council's website reads: "It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the death of Councillor Paul Maiden (Independent Councillor for the Hindley Green Ward) on Sunday 20th February 2022.
"Confirmation of the funeral arrangements will be shared in due course."
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