TAMESIDE Council’s leader is to face a motion of no confidence after an extraordinary meeting of the authority was granted.
Conservatives tabled a proposal to debate whether Cllr Eleanor Wills is the person for the job – or whether the Labour Party’s national executive committee (NEC) is really running the show.
Now The Correspondent has learned the motion will be heard and debated on Tuesday, March 4, immediately after its normal scheduled meeting.
A total of 10 members – including three who stepped away from executive roles and other panel chairs – are currently suspended from the Labour Party as it investigates the controversial Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp group.
Two former leaders – Cllrs Brenda Warrington and Gerald Cooney – are among them, although it is understood the latter’s relates to ‘leaks’ to the media.
In their motion, the Tories 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.
“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.
“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.”
Now Cllr Joe Kitchen, chair of council business, has granted the request of Cllrs Doreen Dickinson, Dan Costello, Liam Billington, Chris Halligan, Phil Chadwick, Andrea Colbourne and David Tilbrook.
A response, seen by The Correspondent, says: “There can be an extraordinary meeting and that it will be held on the rise of the ordinary meeting of council scheduled for Tuesday, March 4 given the proximity of this ordinary meeting.
“Once the business of the ordinary meeting has been concluded, the extraordinary meeting will begin.”
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 about the WhatsApp controversy, 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, I committed myself to do whatever it takes to improve standards at Tameside Council and that extends to the conduct of members.”