The new face for Dukinfield as election marks the end of an era

On the other side of Dukinfield, the result was more clear cut - but there will still be changes.

For a number of new faces will be taking their seats as Tameside councillors after this year’s elections - and in Dukinfield Naila Sharif (pictured) will be that person.

While it was no surprise that Labour won in the ward, this election marked the end of an era with Brian Wild stepping down after more than 25 years as the local councillor.

The one time referee and former local magistrate - and always Father Christmas inviting local children to post their letters to Santa at Dukinfield Town Hall - had decided the time was right to retire.

Stepping into his shoes - and they will certainly be big shoes to fill - is Naila Sharif.

She said she was honoured to have been elected as a councillor for her community.

“Thank you very much to all those who voted for me and I will be there to serve them,” she stated following her election on Friday.

She said topics to tackle on her agenda raised on the doorstep included litter, speeding, increasing crime in the area and policing, plus the problem of youths being on the streets.

“The community wants to work together with the council to sort out these and other matters,” she said.

The new Cllr Sharif had received 1,324 votes - an almost 53 per cent share overall.

Dukinfield was a three way race with Lucille Turner for the Conservatives coming second with 845 votes and Julie Wood for the Greens receiving 306 votes.

Although the Conservative vote was not enough to seriously challenge it still mirrored the resurgence nationally for the party - almost doubling the number of votes they had received in the 2019 local election and when the Greens had finished second, pushing them into third spot.

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