Councillor re-selected after mental health battle
A FORMER Walsall Council leader who has been battling depression has been re-selected to defend his seat.
Labour councillor Sean Coughlan was unanimously chosen to stand in Willenhall South again in May next year, which will mark the 25th anniversary of his first election.
The 62-year-old was granted an extended leave of absence until the end of the municipal year from attending authority meetings following the diagnosis of his mental health illness earlier this year.
Councillor Coughlan recently revealed how the darkest days of his illness – brought on by the pressures of his high-profile former roles – almost led to him taking his own life.
But he said he was determined to come out the other side and show people in a similar position that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
But Cllr Coughlan made an unexpected return to the chamber for a full council meeting this month as he continues his recovery, staying for around an hour.
He said: “I’m very pleased to have been re-selected again by my branch and I’m told it was a unanimous decision, which is very nice to hear.
“It’s great that people want me to continue and now it’s up to me to prove I’m right and able to get back to being the councillor I was and be a strong voice for Willenhall.”
When he entered the council house earlier this week,
Councillor Coughlan was warmly greeted by staff and a number of councillors but he admitted it was difficult and left with his wife and fellow Willenhall South councillor Diane before the end.
He said: “I didn’t want a fuss being made and asked Diane to tell our group not to make any announcements.
“It was nice to see all the curators, who wished me well and said they were glad to see me back. A few councillors and senior officers also came up to me and it was a warm reception, which I was grateful for.
“But it was difficult sitting in the meeting and not having control as I was getting anxious. I wanted to respond on a couple of occasions but I just did not have it in me and so we left and I was relieved to get home.
“I’m pleased that I took that step, though, and I’ll keep on, taking each day as it comes. I just want to get on with getting back to my best.”