Shock as Eccles councillor announces retirement

Eccles Councillor Sharmina August says she will retire due to personal reasons.

Cllr August was elected as Labour councillor for the Eccles ward in 2019’s local elections with over 44% of the vote, but said she has taken the decision to stand down to prioritise her own health and that of her family.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Cllr August said serving the people of Eccles has been ‘the honour of my life’ but that balancing her responsibilities as councillor with a day job had proved unsustainable.

She said: “I got involved in the politics to try and make our world a better place. I hope I’ve done that in some small way for the people of Salford.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my time on the council. I have met some of the most talented, kind and dedicated people, and made life long friends both inside and outside the council chamber.

“Being a councilor can be tough, but I’m glad Salford will continue to have so many great people representing it, and serving the people of our city.

People posted their support and thanks on Facebook for Cllr August’s service.

Malcolm Duffin hailed Cllr August’s role in protecting the Three Sisters green space: “All the best Sharmina. You were instrumental in saving the Three Sisters and that will now be protected for people to enjoy for generations. Everyone can see how passionate you’ve been about serving your community and we will all miss you. All the best in everything you go on to do.”

Labour councillor for Cadishead and Lower Irlam Lewis Nelson posted: Your legacy will be in the fabric of Eccles and Salford for literal generations. It was an honour to work with you on the pandemic response in particular, and it’s been an honour to learn from you.”