Political leader of Tameside’s children’s services set to stay

THE POLITICAL leader of Tameside Council’s failing children’s services department looks set to keep his job.

Cllr Bill Fairfoull found himself under scrutiny after inspectors from Ofsted downgraded it to being inadequate.

A report stated: “There has been ineffective senior leadership in Tameside since the last inspection, which has resulted in too many not receiving effective services that meet their needs.”

But The Correspondent understands Cllr Fairfoull is likely to remain in position, as well as being deputy leader, when the new executive cabinet is named following the local election.

Dukinfield Town Hall.

It is believed there will be few changes in executive leader Cllr Gerald Cooney’s administration, other than now former councillor Jan Jackson’s brief being incorporated into an expanded housing, homelessness, planning, transport and connectivity position.

Cllr Laura Boyle is thought to be in line for that role, which would mean she cannot be deputy mayor.

Losing David McNally and Jim Fitzpatrick from the council will result in changes of committee leaders, with Cllr Vincent Ricci set to take charge of the Speaker’s Panel (Planning) and Cllr Dave Sweeton heading audit.

The Correspondent understands current mayor Cllr Tafheen Sharif is likely to take a role as an assistant cabinet member, while also being vice-chair of the Labour group and the council, with Cllr Joe Kitchen continuing as chair.

On the opposition side, the Conservative group will welcome newly-elected Hyde Werneth Councillor Chris Halligan.

Of the four neighbourhood forums, it is suggested Cllr Joyce Bowerman will chair the north, with Mohammed Karim as vice-chair.

Betty Affleck is set to lead the south, assisted by Peter Robinson, with Adrian Pearce and Jack Homer in the east and Sue Quinn and Ann Holland in the west.

All appointments will be confirmed at the meeting of Tameside’s full council on Tuesday, May 21, with new councillor Kaleel Khan set to take up a role as chair of the new independent group after he and Steven Barton won in St Peter’s and Stalybridge North respectively.

One Reply to “Political leader of Tameside’s children’s services set to stay”

  1. Typical TMBC failing children’s service and hit looks like he is keeping his position, when are the 65% of Tamesiders who didn’t vote going to get off their bottoms and vote it’s the only way this stronhol can be broken.
    I would also like to say congratulations to the new non Labour councillors and do your best to disrupt council meetings.

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