ONE OF the candidates to replace Cllr Gerald Cooney as leader of Tameside Council has spoken of their aims.
Eleanor Wills, who was sacked from her executive cabinet role in charge of population health and wellbeing, has submitted her application for the top job.
The Correspondent understands at least one other councillor is likely to put their name in the frame as the national Labour Party’s campaign improvement board looks to appoint a new head.
However, it is believed the now former first deputy, Cllr Jacqueline North, will not be one of them.
Labour’s new board is looking to guide Tameside into a new era after it cited ‘unacceptable working practices’ and sought a ‘culture change.’
A week of chaos saw Cllr Cooney, chief executive Sandra Stewart and several other high-ranking figures resign following a scathing report into the council’s children’s services department by government-appointed commissioner Andy Couldrick.
And a new leader may be in position as soon as this week after interviews, which will be conducted in the coming days.
Cllr Wills, who is a popular figure in the council chamber, is the first person to throw their hat in the ring,
In an email to her Labour colleagues – who will not vote on Cllr Cooney’s replacement – she outlined her ambitions.
She also told how the ruling group must ‘embrace change’ and ‘reset the culture’ for staff.
Cllr Wills wrote: “I believe now is the time for fresh leadership – time for a new generation to take the council forward and rebuild trust with our residents.
“There is nothing more important than the work Tameside Council does in protecting the most vulnerable children and young people in our community – and Tameside Council has failed them.
“It is time for decisive action. Working closely with the Commissioner, our strategic partners and our three MPs, we must accept the report, embrace change, and take bold steps to rebuild confidence in our service.
“I was so sad when the Commissioner highlighted that Tameside Council was a ‘toxic’ place to work.
“Tameside Council’s staff is its most valuable asset. We need to reset the culture, empower hard-working employees and lead by example.
“When they succeed – Tameside succeeds.
“We need to look at ourselves too. Many of us not having had the opportunity to show our capabilities.
“Tameside Labour Group used to be a campaigning machine – one that our Labour colleagues across the region were envious of. Sadly, in recent times, our standards have declined.
“We need to attract new, talented candidates for the future; we need to increase and improve our campaign activities; and we need to review and modernise our own processes.
“We really do have so much talent and enthusiasm within our group to improve our services for the better.
“And we need to move on and put old rivalries aside. I would lead by example. This is an opportunity to draw a line and move forward for the sake of our residents – for the sake of our children.
“So, whilst the challenge ahead is huge, so is the opportunity. I hope to have your support in taking advantage of that opportunity.”
Feels like the three Tameside MP,s now have their their popular candidate in place so they can regain absolute control and influence their next chosen names who will form the new cabinet.Will be really interesting to see how Cllr Wills paid cabinet positions progresses that could possibly include Spouses, MPs Constituency Support Officers ,Agent and councillors who resigned as directed.
Priceless that Cllr Willis is asking now for old rivalries to be put aside if you support her.
Well done to the correspondent on this fast moving reporting and please continue to see how this chaos concludes
Cllr Eleanor Wills comment on the Commissioner’s report for Children’s services “ Tameside Council has failed them “ and she was sad to read about the toxic culture , you would think she wasn’t part of it and she obviously was.
Cllr Wills was on the Executive Cabinet that had board meetings which discussed all these things. It’s only because the report is public people are now speaking up, they have all known for 8 years and not a word until now