A LABOUR councillor in Bolton has resigned from the party, it has been confirmed.

Cllr Shamim Abdullah, who represents Rumworth ward, has left Labour, it was announced at a full council meeting last night.

Councillors in her ward and across the borough are understood to have been left shocked by the decision.

Cllr Abdullah had held the seat since 2016, when she won a by-election to replace her friend and mentor Rosa Kay.

Cllr Nick Peel, Labour group leader said: “Cllr Abdullah resigned as a Labour Councillor to the Conservative Leader, rather than to me.

"She did this minutes before I stood up in Council to move an amendment that would save Haslam Park, within her ward, from development.

"She had been included in all discussions about our plans to save the park and never indicated that she was against them. 

"She has given me no reason for her resignation, so people will have to draw their own conclusions as to her motives.

"The Labour Group is actually in a more cohesive and united position that it has been in for a long time. 

"In politics, I recognise that there is a long game to play, so in the short term a resignation may look bad, but in the long term we will only become stronger.

"I am more than confident that this May and in the coming years, a new set of Labour councillors will be elected, bringing with them determination and drive for our future agenda.”

Cllr Champak Mistry, a Labour representative for Harper Green, said: "We all found out last night when the Conservative council leader told us. But we didn't get a reason why.

"I did try to contact her over the last few weeks anyway because I heard she wasn't well, but it's impossible to get to her at the moment.

"She's not given us a reason yet, but we will be sad to see her go.

"What's upsetting for me, is that she told the leader of the opposition rather than ours.

"I just think she should have told us. All I can say is that I was taken aback."

Cllr Mistry described Cllr Abdullah as a "good worker" and said the party would be sad to see her go.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington, who represents Tonge with The Haulgh ward, also expressed her shock at the news.

She said: "I heard about it from the leader of the council in the meeting but not before then.

"We will miss her. I am quite shocked because I do think she was very much part of our group and I have always worked hard to make sure everybody works as a team.

"I always encourage women to be councillors in our group, so it's quite upsetting she has left."

Cllr Abdullah was unavailable for comment today.