FORMER Tameside Council leader, Cllr Ged Cooney, has been suspended by the Labour Party, The Correspondent has learned.
This development marks him as the 10th Labour Councillor to have the party whip removed.
The Droylsden West councillor, elected in 1990, is the latest to be suspended, accused of sharing information and offering commentary to the media.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated:
“The Labour Party will take immediate action in accordance with our rules and procedures whenever complaints are raised.”
Cllr Cooney stepped down as council leader last October after a scathing report on the local authority’s failing children’s services.
Now the authority’s Conservative councillors have demanded an extraordinary meeting to debate whether the person currently in charge should lead.
Focused on the role of Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), it says the power lies with them rather than Cllr Wills.
And that would erode the reason why she is in position.
When Cllr Wills was appointed in October by the Labour Party’s Campaign Improvement Board (CIB), The Correspondent reported it made two further appointments – Cllr Andrew McClaren as deputy leader and Cllr Jack Homer as chief whip.
However, it was understood the rest of her team was nominated by Cllr Wills, with renamed roles.
In a statement, the leader of Tameside Council, Cllr Eleanor Wills said:
“I would like to respond to concerns that have arisen as a result of comments in a historic WhatsApp group involving a number of local councillors and MPs.
“Firstly, I share the widespread sentiments of many in our community that the comments made were truly unacceptable. Like many, I was truly shocked and appalled. I empathise deeply with anyone disturbed by these comments.
“As soon as these comments came to light, immediate and robust action was taken against those involved by the Prime Minister, the Labour Party and myself as the Leader of Tameside Council.
“This was the right thing to do and is of upmost importance to ensure the highest possible standards from elected representatives that our residents deserve.
“An investigation is ongoing and Tameside Labour are committed to transparency throughout this process and will co-operate with any investigations as required.
“When I took over as Leader of the Council, three months ago, I committed myself to do whatever it takes to improve standards at Tameside Council and that extends to the conduct of members.”
Currently, Tameside Council is composed of 38 Labour members, 7 Conservatives, and 12 Independent Councillors.