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.
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. She carried her illness bravely and maintained her fiery enthusiasm till the end.
“Thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”
Councillor Clive Morgan, for Winstanley Ward, tweeted: “Really sad to hear of the passing of Cllr Anita Thorpe she will be sadly missed.”
Jo Platt, former MP for Leigh, wrote: “So sad to learn of the passing of friend, colleague and Labour Party Councillor Anita Thorpe.
“Anita cared deeply about her community and worked hard for the people she represented. She epitomised Leigh and the town she loved.”
Elizabeth Costello, Founder and Charity Director of Leigh Film C.I.O. at Spinners Mill Cinema, posted: "I was so sad to hear this news. Anita worked so hard for her community.
"When I needed support she was there for me and I have never forgotten that. She was strong and fierce and will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace."
In 2019, Cllr Thorpe said she was able to cook her dinner while on hold to Wigan Council’s contact centre - urging for improvements to wait times to be made.
At the time, she told a town hall scrutiny meeting: ““When I’ve had complaints about housing and I’ve rung the switchboard (on behalf of constituents) and asked to be put through, they’ve said I’m number 14 in the queue.
“I’ve cooked me dinner, I’ve actually cooked me dinner – with it on loud speaker so I can hear when someone has answered.
“I’ve cooked the lot before somebody has answered, and I’ve thought those on pay as you go will have been knocked off long since. That is a problem.”
Last year, Cllr Thorpe objected to planning applications to demolish a former school building in Leigh for a new development of flats.
Adding to the tributes, independent councillor Stuart Gerrard, for Atherton, said: "So sad to hear the passing of Councillor Anita Thorpe today.
"We served on the same committee and she was committed to ensuring her constituents got their voices heard. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends."
The Leigh East Councillors Labour Facebook page added: “Anita worked hard for the party and for the ward she was elected to represent.
“She will be greatly missed by many.
“On behalf of fellow Councillors and Labour Party members our thoughts are with Anita’s family and friends at this very sad time. RIP Anita.”
