'She epitomised Leigh and the town she loved': Tributes pour in as 'unapologetic' Wigan councillor dies

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

An ‘unapologetic’ Wigan councillor who ‘worked hard for her community’ has died. Councillor Anita Thorpe represented the Leigh East ward for eleven years having been first elected in May 2011.

The Labour councillor had held on to the position in local elections in 2015 and 2019 and had continued to serve the ward at the time of her death. READ MORE: IKEA applies for security measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour and trespassing at Ashton store A number of Wigan councillors, including Winstanley’s Clive Morgan and Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, were amongst those to pay tribute to Cllr Thorpe.

The Leigh Constituency Labour Party posted on Facebook: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Cllr Anita Thorpe. “Anita has represented Leigh East with her whole heart, with the community involved in everything she achieved. “Anita worked incredibly hard to promote the voice of the people in public office. “She was unapologetic herself throughout her role as Cllr, and always showed enthusiasm and passion for Leigh and our people. “It has been an honour to work alongside Anita - she will be sadly missed across Wigan Borough but especially in Leigh.” A staple part of the Leigh community, Cllr Thorpe most recently hosted weekly bingo events where local residents could meet up and socialise together.

Keith Cunliffe, fellow ward councillor and Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, wrote: “Saddened to hear about the death of Cllr Anita Thorpe today. “My friend for over 30 years and my ward colleague in Leigh East for 11 years she will be sadly missed. “A kind and caring person who worked hard for her community.