Bolton Labour councillor Sean Fielding has announced he will stand down at next May's elections. Fielding, who represents Breightmet and serves on the council's cabinet, said he had decided not to seek re-election.
Fielding, a former leader of Oldham council, was elected to his current ward in Bolton in 2023 for a four-year term. He currently serves as executive cabinet member for adults and community housing services.
Reasons for Standing Down
Fielding said 'balancing the role with full-time work is difficult' and that his 'decision to stand down follows a lot of reflection'. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Representing Breightmet and helping shape Bolton council has been a huge privilege."
He added: "But long days, evening meetings and the hours needed to prepare for them leaves little time to do other things I enjoy and for the people I care about. I'll look forward to having more free time, but there's plenty I'll miss; from debates in the council chamber and casework successes to baking for the St James' Macmillan coffee morning."
Career and Achievements
Fielding, who turns 37 in January, said that by the time he steps down he will have spent 13 years in elected office, including his time as a councillor in Oldham. He described that as "more than a third of my life", adding: "It feels like the right time for a break."
He cited his proudest achievement as a Bolton councillor as securing support for a £200 grocery voucher for some of the borough's lowest-income pensioners who lost their winter fuel allowance in 2024. He said the move 'helped households who narrowly missed out under the new eligibility rules'.
Final Months in Office
Fielding said: "The last three and a half years have been hugely rewarding and great fun. I never expected to win a seat in 2023, let alone come first and secure a four-year term."
He added: "Since then, I've been determined to repay the trust placed in me by working every day to improve the lives of the people I represent." Fielding told constituents that during his final six months as a councillor, "I'm still available to offer support and advice with the usual stuff".
