Angela Rayner breaks silence on scandal at Tameside town hall

An under-fire council needs to focus on the vulnerable children amid a children’s services scandal, MPs have said.

In a turbulent week, Tameside’s council leader Ged Cooney quit  days after the council’s chief executive Sandra Stewart quit. It comes in the wake of a scathing report on the children’s services by a government-appointed commissioner, with the ‘inadequate’ department in dire need of improvement. 

The town hall is now without political and paid service leadership following a chaotic few days. The national Labour Party is now due to step in. Bosses have appointed a ‘campaign improvement board’ to bring about a change in culture.

Deputy Prime Minister and Ashton MP Angela Rayner penned a joint statement alongside fellow borough MPs Jonathan Reynolds and Andrew Gwynne in the wake of the latest drama. 

“We would like to thank councillor Ged Cooney for his service,” it read. “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.”

Coun Cooney served as executive leader of the council since his election in May, 2022. His resignation letter read: “As of this morning (October 11), I have tendered my resignation as leader of Tameside Labour Group with immediate effect to the chair and secretary of Tameside Labour Group.

“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.”

The Droylsden West councillor’s deputies, Coun Bill Fairfoull and Coun Jacqueline North, have also stepped down from the council’s cabinet, the LDRS understands. A number of other councillors have stepped down from their roles on the cabinet and committees in recent days.

A Labour spokesperson said: “Due to the unacceptable working practices at Tameside Labour Group, Labour have taken the decision to implement a campaign improvement board to bring about the culture change the group requires with immediate effect.”