EXCLUSIVE
TAMESIDE Council’s leader has been hit with a motion of no confidence to further deepen the furore over leaked WhatsApp messages.
Nine sitting members – including three who stepped away from executive roles and other panel chairs – are currently suspended by the Labour Party as it investigates the Trigger Me Timbers group.
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.
Calling for Cllr Joe Kitchen, chair of council business, to schedule a meeting within seven working days, the group – consisting of Cllrs Doreen Dickinson, Dan Costello, Liam Billington, Chris Halligan, Phil Chadwick, Andrea Colbourne and David Tilbrook – also cite an alleged lack of action after concerns were raised about the WhatsApp group.
They state: “In October 2024, Labour’s NEC intervened in the governance of the council, removing Councillor Ged Cooney as Leader and appointing Councillor Eleanor Wills in his place.
“The NEC also determined the composition of the cabinet and council committees.
“We are particularly concerned that several individuals appointed by the NEC were members of the WhatsApp group ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ and have since been suspended by the Labour Party amid allegations of racism and bullying.
“Additionally, reports indicate that Councillor Cooney had previously raised complaints about these matters with Labour Party officials, but no action was taken by those accountable to the NEC.
“Furthermore, the Labour Party’s regional director issued an email endorsing the NEC-appointed Cabinet.
“It is fundamental to our democracy that elected representatives serve their constituents, not external party bodies.
“The people of Tameside did not elect the NEC to govern on their behalf. The Conservative Group is deeply concerned that the true decision-making power within the council rests with the NEC rather than the executive leader.
“Scrutiny and accountability are cornerstones of good governance. However, a leaked NEC report has suggested that Cllr Wills’ leadership is guaranteed for three years without challenge, undermining democratic principles.
“Leadership appointments should be subject to approval by councillors at each Annual General Meeting – not dictated by the NEC.
“This Motion of No Confidence is not an attempt to overturn the Labour Group’s electoral mandate, which we respect.
“Instead, it seeks to uphold the accountability of the Executive to all councillors, not just the NEC.
“The residents of Tameside expect their elected representatives to make independent and informed decisions, free from external influence.”
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.