BREAKING NEWS: Ged Cooney resigns as TMBC Leader

Ged Cooney, the beleaguered Leader of Tameside Council, has resigned this morning with ‘immediate effect’.

It comes after a tumultuous week in which TMBC’s chief executive Sandra Stewart stepped down, two cabinet members were sacked, and four other councillors also left their roles. 

“As of this morning, I have tendered my resignation as leader of Tameside Labour Group with immediate effect to the chair and secretary of Tameside Labour Group,” he said in an email to councillors. 

“Following the report of children’s services by the commissioner, in order for children’s services to turn around, it can only be done with the full support of all council members working together to achieve excellence. 

“Clearly due to the events of the last few weeks following the issuing of the report, it is clear I do not have that support. 

“Therefore, in order for children’s services to achieve excellence it has to be done with a new Leader that has the support of all Tameside members. 

“I wish them well in achieving excellence.” 

Such is the Council’s disarray that the Labour Party have set up a ‘campaign improvement board’ to affect a culture change, following similar concerns in Sheffield, Liverpool and Birmingham.  

It could also result in the party choosing a new leader of the Tameside Labour Group - who would then lead TMBC - which also happened in Birmingham when the city raced toward effective bankruptcy last year. 

Cllr Cooney, who represents Droylsden West, took over as the council leader from Cllr Brenda Warrington in May 2022, overseeing its children’s services being rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted earlier this year, who noted a 'toxic and bullying' culture.

The revelations cost Cllr Bob Fairfoull his job as executive member for children’s services in the borough, with Cllr Teresa Smith replacing him.  

Cllr Fairfoull has also resigned from his position as TMBC’s Deputy Executive Leader: "It has been an honour to serve as your deputy leader and it's a role I have always done to the best of my ability. Moving forward I will commit to support the new leadership team especially in getting Children's Services back to where it should be. 

"I have always said that we must have a whole council approach. May I wish you and the new leadership team best wishes for the future." 

Tameside’s three MPs, Andrew Gwynne, Jonathan Reynolds and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also released a joint statement. 

“We would like to thank Councillor Ged Cooney for his service. We welcome the intervention of the Labour Party to bring stability and focus at this difficult time. 
 
“Our number one priority is to ensure the Council delivers for all residents of Tameside, and particularly for vulnerable children.” 

Harry Catherall, the chief executive of Oldham Council, is expected to be parachuted into Tameside as a stopgap until they find a permanent replacement for Sandra Stewart.