The local elections in May 2026 also saw the retirement of David Molyneux MBE, who served in Ince and Scholes ward since 1982 and as Wigan Labour Group and Council Leader since 2018.
There is no doubt that David has been a formidable leader, striving to make improvements in Wigan and to bring investment into the Borough.
David’s most memorable moments are below, and his legacy will live on in Wigan as currently ongoing and recently completed projects – such as Fettlers, Wigan Pier, Haigh Hall, Civic, Cotton Works (Eckersley Mill) and more – benefit from the investment David has helped to bring into the area alongside a Labour-led council and, more recently, under a Labour government which has invested heavily in the Borough.
A message from Cllr David Molyneux
I wanted to share some personal news with you directly.
Due to recent health issues, I have taken the very difficult decision not to seek re-election in May. This has not been an easy choice after giving more than 40 years of my life to serving our community here in Ince — the place where I was born, brought up, raised my family, and where I still proudly live today. I have had the honour of serving you as your local councillor since 1982, and it has been the privilege of my life.
It was fully my intention to continue serving, and I have always worked hard for residents across the ward and borough throughout my time in office. However, I have had to make this decision in the best interests of my family and my health.
I want to reassure you that I will continue to fulfil my responsibility as your local councillor until the election, working hard every day for residents.
Four decades of public service in Wigan
I want to thank residents from across the Ince ward for supporting me over the last four decades. Times have changed over the years, but throughout my time in office I have always tried to ensure that Ince and Scholes received a fair share of investment and attention, standing up for our community and making sure our voices were heard.
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in Ince and Scholes. In my early years, I led the fight to save Ince railway station when it was threatened with closure, and alongside our former MP Sir Ian McCartney, I helped lead the campaign to save the Wigan Flashes — something that remains an important part of our local environment today.
During my time as your councillor, I have been proud to help secure the redevelopment of Fosters Playing Fields, giving us an amazing facility right on our doorstep. We have secured funding for local sporting clubs and investment in our schools, including the new school at Britannia Bridge and now the planned rebuild of Rose Bridge.
Over the years, I campaigned alongside previous colleagues to secure Ince Community Centre, helped protect library provision in Ince, and secured investment into Sunshine House. Working with local residents and businesses, I also helped to deliver an improved Memorial Garden on Smithy Green — a special space to remember our fallen.
When chemicals were discovered under the Ince Central estate, I worked with colleagues and our former MP to fight for residents — bringing government ministers to meet local people and standing up to protect people’s homes.
We haven’t won every battle or overcome every challenge, but I have always listened to residents and stood by your side. Despite the challenges of recent years, including 14 years of austerity, we have worked hard to protect our community and secure investment that benefits local people — and much more besides.
The Labour candidate for these elections will be Terry Halliwell, an outstanding candidate who has my full support. Terry is a local man with family living across our ward who understands our area and brings valuable experience as a councillor. He has been active within our ward and is committed to continuing the work of supporting residents and improving our community.
Serving Ince has been the greatest honour of my life, and I remain fully committed to continuing my work for residents during the coming weeks.
Thank you to everyone in Ince and Scholes for your support, kindness, and trust over so many years — it has meant more to me than words can say.
Thank you for letting me serve you.
David
We haven’t won every battle or overcome every challenge, but I have always listened to residents and stood by your side. - David Molyneux, MBE