‘An Oldhamer through and through’ – Council leader pays tribute to authority’s first female leader after death

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.

READ MORE:Tributes to 'kind and compassionate' former Oldham council leader Jean Stretton following her death

“My thoughts are with her husband John and all her family and friends.

“Jean was an Oldhamer through and through and was everything you want in a local councillor – she listened to residents’ concerns and worked hard to improve their lives and make a difference. Her dedicated support of Oldham Foodbank, which was founded in her ward 10 years ago, is just one of example of how she cared for her fellow residents.

“She was well-respected and also a pioneer. As Oldham council’s first female leader she championed the borough on a regional level and I’m honoured that I have been able to follow in her footsteps. I speak