Shake up of Sheffield Town Hall as several councillors prepare to stand down

Sheffield Town Hall will look different in May after a number of well known and long standing councillors leave.
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The most prominent is Council Leader Julie Dore, who will not seek re-election in her Park and Arbourthorne ward. A councillor for 20 years, she has led the city for the past nine.

Her close ally Coun Jackie Drayton, Cabinet member for children and families, has also announced she is leaving. She has represented Burngreave since 1996.

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One of Sheffield’s most long standing councillors is calling time after 33 years. Coun Pat Midgley was first elected in 1987 for Nether Edge and represented it for eight years before moving to Manor ward.

Sheffield Peace Gardens and Town HallSheffield Peace Gardens and Town Hall
Sheffield Peace Gardens and Town Hall

Coun Olivia Blake is swapping the Town Hall for Parliament as she was elected as the new Labour MP for Sheffield Hallam in the general election. She’s currently juggling both roles and decided to remain as a councillor until May to avoid triggering a by-election in her Walkley seat.

And former Cabinet member Jim Steinke says farewell to his Sharrow ward. He has dipped in and out of politics over the years but has served 11 years in total as a councillor.

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The Liberal Democrats are also saying goodbye to a well-known figure, Coun David Baker, aged 82. He has been a councillor for 29 years in South Wortley, Birley and most recently Stannington.

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Also departing after four years is Lib Dem colleague Coun Bob Pullin, 76, who vacates the Beauchief and Greenhill ward.

There are also several notable councillors who are standing for election in May. For Labour, cabinet members Bob Johnson and Mazher Iqbal and former Cabinet members Bryan Lodge and Lewis Dagnall will all be seeking re-election.

Stalwarts Mick Rooney, who has 24 years under his belt, and Peter Price - with an incredible 47 years service - will be standing again.

Former Liberal Democrat Leader Colin Ross, who has served a total of 22 years, and colleague Ian Auckland, a councillor for 24 years, are both seeking re-election. And the Green Party’s Douglas Johnson will be looking to serve another term.