Long-serving Labour councillor for Gorse Hill Mike Cordingley has decided to step down in May 2022.
Coun Cordingley was first elected to his ward in May 2007, and has represented his community for 14 years.
Labour members voted this week to have Fianna Hornby take Coun Cordingley’s position and she will be standing for the party in the next local elections for the ward.
It follows years of Coun Cordingley campaigning on local issues.
Coun Cordingley said: “Fianna is an ideal candidate to be carrying the Labour Party flag.
“I’d like to think I’ve made a real contribution to the borough and to the ward, whether it be in primary care facilities or active travel, but it’s time for new focus and energy to be brought to Gorse Hill.”He added that he is not giving up Labour politics but is in need of spending some quality time with his family.
Newly selected Fianna Hornby said: “It was an honour for me to be selected by Gorse Hill Labour members as one of the candidates for Gorse Hill in the local elections in May 2022.
“I am really proud that Gorse Hill selected me to be their candidate and can’t wait to get stuck in. Gorse Hill is a great place to live, work and visit and we need strong councillors who will listen to residents to make sure this remains the case.
“As a young, disabled woman, I hope my selection will encourage others to come forward and serve in public office.
“Mike has done Gorse Hill and all of Trafford proud. I know Mike will stay involved in shaping the area he lives in. I hope he enjoys the spare time he will get after May, which I am sure he will spend cycling, checking out the local park runs and going to music festivals.”
Coun Andrew Western, Trafford council leader tweeted: “Absolutely delighted that my amazing friend Fianna Hornby has been selected in Gorse Hill to be the Trafford Labour candidate in May’s local election. She has big boots to fill as Mike Cordingley steps down but she will be truly ace.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Coun Julian Newgrosh said: “Councillor Cordingley has been an exemplary advocate for the residents of Gorse Hill who has championed many causes before and since becoming elected to the council. Recently, he has been one of Trafford’s most outspoken champions for greater cycling provision. He will be sorely missed when he steps down next May.”
Other candidates due to stand in Gorse Hill ward for the 2022 local elections have not yet been selected for the Conservative Party group, the Green Party group or the Liberal Democrats Party group in Trafford.
It is understood that the Conservative group’s selection for the ward is due to take place in the coming weeks.
