Agenda

Motion in the name of Councillor Billington:

That this Council notes that:

1.       In October 2024, the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) intervened in the governance of Tameside Council, forcing the resignation of the previous Leader, Councillor Ged Cooney, and appointing Councillor Eleanor Wills in his place.

2.       The NEC also determined the composition of the Cabinet and council committees, effectively overriding local democratic processes.

3.       Several individuals appointed by the NEC have since been suspended by the Labour Party following allegations of racism, sexism, homophobia and bullying. Reports indicate that previous concerns about these individuals were raised with Labour Party officials but were not addressed.

4.       A leaked NEC report suggests that Cllr. Wills’ leadership has been guaranteed for three years without challenge, undermining the principle of democratic accountability.

This Council believes that:

1.       The governance of Tameside Council should be determined by elected representatives, not an external political body.

2.       Leadership appointments should be subject to approval by councillors at each Annual General Meeting, ensuring transparency and democratic legitimacy.

3.       Scrutiny and accountability are fundamental to good governance, and the current arrangement undermines these principles.

4.       The people of Tameside expect their elected representatives to act independently in their best interests, free from undue external influence.

This Council therefore resolves that:

1.         It has no confidence in Councillor Eleanor Wills as Executive Leader of Tameside Council.

(i)         The Executive Leader to immediately resign with the Chair of Council business taking control of the council until a new leader is voted on by the Labour Group to ensure that the Executive Leader has a legitimate and accountable mandate from councillors.

(ii)        The position of Executive Leader should be determined by the democratic will of elected councillors, not imposed by the NEC.

2.         The Chief Executive to write to the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee to instruct their removal from the interference of this council and to respect the democratic right of our residents.

3.         The Chief Executive to write to Tameside’s Members of Parliament to remind them they act as representatives of the borough in the role of legislators and not to interfere with the running of the council.