Tameside councillor quits Labour Party amid WhatsApp investigation

A TAMESIDE councillor has dealt the ruling Labour administration another blow by quitting the party.

Charlotte Martin, who represents Audenshaw, resigned as she remains suspended pending an investigation into the Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp group.

After describing recent months as ‘incredibly difficult’, she intends to serve for the remaining two years of her term as an independent, before standing down as a councillor.

Cllr Charlotte Martin has quite the Labour Party and will see out her term as an Independent.

Cllr Martin, one of 10 Tameside councillors currently suspended from the Labour Party as the investigation is set to deliver its verdict around the end of July: “I have made the decision to resign from the Labour Party.

“I will now serve as an Independent Councillor for Audenshaw.

“The past few months have been incredibly difficult. However, I am a private person, and the personal reasons behind this decision will remain private.

“I apologise to anyone who has been offended or upset by my membership in the WhatsApp group Trigger Me Timbers.

“I wish Councillor Teresa Smith and Councillor Nick Axford well. It is our intention to continue working closely together on the issues that matter to you.

“Not only are we still good friends, but we also know that getting things done in Audenshaw is more important than party politics.

“To give you a full picture, I do not intend to stand again in May 2027, when my current term ends.”

Cllr Martin, who has been in position since 2019, is expected to not be the only councillor to resign from Labour as the investigation over comments made in a group containing Denton MP Andrew Gwynne takes its toll.

And Cllrs Smith and Axford said: “Whilst we will not be commenting on the ongoing investigation into the WhatsApp messages, we know that this has been a difficult time on a personal level and we offer our support.

“Charlotte has been a tireless, hard-working and passionate advocate for Audenshaw.

“She has been a strong source of support and a great friend to us both in this role, we wish to thank her for all her work and everything she has done on behalf of our residents.

“We have seen first-hand her dedication to our town and we are certain she will continue to work hard on behalf of the people of Audenshaw for the remainder of her term.

“We will continue to work closely on all local matters – we remain close friends and our commitment to act on behalf of Audenshaw has not wavered.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Charlotte for everything she has done, and to wish her all the best for the future.”