There were heated exchanges as Tameside Council’s full meeting got off to a chaotic start earlier tonight (6 December).

As apologies for absence were accepted Conservative Councillor for Stalybridge South Liam Billington took to the floor to declare he had an apology to report on behalf of his Labour counterpart in the town, Stalybridge North councillor Sam Gosling.

He then stated that he had a letter from Cllr Gosling which he wanted to read on his behalf.

He was informed by the Chair of Council Business Cllr Joe Kitchen that reading the letter was not necessary, but Cllr Billington ignored the request and pressed on.

He began to read the letter stating that Councillor Gosling was announcing his immediate resignation from the Labour Party and that he would continue as an independent until the elections next May, amid accusations of bullying within the party.

However, Cllr Billington was not permitted to get any further and was ordered to sit down by the chair, and amid further shouting as Cllr Billington attempted to persist, even the live webcast link for the meeting - broadcast for members of the public unable to attend - was terminated.

Later in the meeting Cllr Billington referenced the webcast feed termination.

In another debate he declared: “When I was speaking before the feed was cut off, like we are in some sort of Communist, China chamber.

“I don’t know who cuts these feeds off, but we’ve got a big green curtain there (in Dukinfield Town Hall) and we always used to say behind the Iron Curtain, well in Tameside there’s someone behind that curtain who controls that feed. So, it’s like whatever goes on behind the green curtain stays behind the green curtain - no one in Tameside should know.”

On another subject concerning standards, Councillor Billington added: “I know that Councillor Cooney (Tameside Council Leader) had said that Councillor Jackson had resigned due to personal issues, but most of us will be aware that that is down to the allegations of bullying which I referenced earlier.”

Chair of the meeting Cllr Joe Kitchen again turned on Cllr Billington amid much consternation, stating: “That is totally out of order Councillor Billington.”

While in a further debate - this time concerning neighbourhood forums - the councillor also found himself being ordered to sit down.

He questioned why ‘a cut and paste’ agenda to discuss the regeneration of Ashton town centre was of any interest to any other Tameside towns, only to find himself being told the subject had nothing to do with ‘the agenda’ or current debate by the chair Cllr Kitchen.

Both councillors talked over each other before Cllr Kitchen declared: “Enough, enough.”

Cllr Billington retorted: “Do you want to hear it out or will you cut the feed again?”

Tameside Conservative councillor Doreen Dickinson is overheard stating at the time: “What is going on?”

Cllr Billington declared “is this democracy?” as he takes his seat, with Cllr Kitchen retorting: “It isn’t democracy when you interrupt things - I’ll ask you to sit down please and allow this meeting to move on.”

In a social media post after the meeting Cllr Sam Gosling stated: “Tonight it was announced at full council that I have decided to resign from the Labour Party and Labour Group. I will be seeing my term out until May as an independent councillor.

“This was not an easy decision as I have many friends in the Labour Party and it doesn’t mean I won’t support them nationally.

“Over the last few years I have witnessed and been subjected to unacceptable behaviour so the time has come to leave.

“I can not in good faith be a member of a party or group that doesn’t take mental health seriously and has failed in its duty of care to one of its members.

“I am still here to represent you. If you would like to get in touch please contact me by email -  sam.gosling@Tameside.gov.uk".

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