CLAIMS the Labour Party is behind independent candidates standing in certain wards at Tameside’s local elections have been described as ‘nonsense.’
Cllrs Kaleel Khan and Liam Billington have been vocal about people whose names will be on the ballot sheet on Thursday, May 7.
Marie Fairhurst and Muhammad Ali’s candidacy in St Peter’s has sparked questions from the former.
The man who is acting as agent for independent Ahmed Mehmood has made a formal complaint to the borough’s Labour group, calling for an investigation.
He also claimed a private Labour-only event on Sunday, March 22 was attended by those who proposed both and he even dubbed Ashton’s MP Angela Rayner as the ‘mastermind.’
And while Marie Fairhurst’s eligibility is being assessed after it emerged a woman of the same name, of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was ordered to pay a total of £600 after admitting two counts of fly tipping on September 23, 2024, The Correspondent has been told accusations are unfounded.
A spokesperson for Angela Rayner said: “These claims are obviously nonsense.
“Angela has had no input or involvement in the selection of candidates for any of the wards within her constituency.”
And when asked, Tameside Council’s leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills, responded: “With regards to the claims, they’re utter nonsense.
“Democracy is at the heart of everything we stand for and represent, democratically.
“I’d say, members of the independent group have not been democratically elected as independents, perhaps they should test that and take the opportunity to re-stand in their wards as independents.”
Labour wheeled out the very biggest of guns in St Peter’s as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and education secretary Bridget Phillipson attended Holy Trinity Primary School on Monday, April 13.
Jane Valentine’s candidacy as an Independent in Cllr Billington’s Stalybridge South ward has also raised eyebrows.
The Conservative, who is up for election on May 7, pointed to a personal connection with Cllr Wills, saying: “Labour know they can’t win here, so they have got the Labour council leader’s “best friend” to stand.
“It’s a tactic to try and steal votes. Labour don’t want to see me re-elected because I’m their biggest headache.
“It stinks to high heaven. But am I surprised? No.”
However, Jane Valentine hit at those claims – as well as accusations she has received grants totalling more than £46,000 from Tameside Council.
She said: “I do think people should know truth from myth.
“Firstly, I am not a member of the Labour Party. I’m standing as an independent because everything I do has always been about people and our community, delivering for people and making a difference, however big or small.
“Secondly, information regarding payments received by me is completely untrue. I have not received any direct payments from Tameside Council.
“Any funding given from the council has been given to Academy HQ CIC. I am a voluntary board member of this organisation and receive no financial payment for my contributions.
“Academy HQ, CIC, along with all other voluntary sector organisations rely on funding to deliver vital services to local people.
“The funding received allows the centre to deliver things like our winter warmth hub, keeping local elderly people warm when they can’t afford to heat their homes.
“I will always defend the amazing work that is delivered from this community space, with very little funding, because I know how many people use, value and rely on the space.
“Misinformation being shared by elected members of any form of personal income is completely untrue.
“I’m not about party politics, mud slinging or causing harm for ego or personal gain.
“I’m about community, connecting with people, offering kindness, and support. Something I will continue to do no matter what.”