Tributes have been paid to the former Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton who has been described as a ‘staggering figure’ in the town.

Cllr Stretton, who represented Hollinwood for 19 years and became the council's first female leader in 2016, died aged 64 on Sunday.

Paying tribute, Cllr Amanda Chadderton, leader of Oldham Council, 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.

“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 for a lot of people when I say she’ll be missed.”

Jean’s close colleagues have also expressed their condolences.

Labour Hollinwood councillor Steve Williams said: “I’ve been on the council for 16 years and Jean was a part of the council for 15 of those years.

“It’s heart breaking that a colleague that has been right beside me for 15 years has gone. She was an extremely pleasant woman and had an appetite for anything related to local government or politics.

“It’s a huge loss for the council and the community in Hollinwood.”

Labour Hollinwoood councillor Kyle Phythian meanwhile said: “The Labour Group and I are devastated by the loss of such a staggering figure in our party and our town.

“Jean was an amazing and committed member of our Labour team and a vital mentor of mine during my first year on the council. She was a voice of reassurance and helped me grow personally and professionally.

“Jean spent a large part of her life in service of our town and her loss will be felt deeply across Oldham and in Hollinwood in particular.

“I miss her deeply. Rest in peace Jean”.

Many residents have also shared their heartfelt tributes.

Reacting to the news of Cllr Stretton’s death, Dawn Nisbet wrote: “Jean was always so kind and dedicated to improving the area. RIP Jean.”

Echoing her comments, Ssusann Farmer wrote: “So sad rest in peace. Jean worked so hard and passionate about serving on Oldham Council.”

An online book of condolence for Cllr Jean Stretton will be available at www.oldham.gov.uk

Books of condolence will also be available to sign in the Civic Centre reception and at St Chads Centre, Lime Green from Wednesday. 

The borough flag at the Civic Centre will fly at half-mast on the day of Jean’s funeral.