The Tameside Council leader is facing a no confidence motion following a week of political chaos across the borough.

The Conservatives and the Independent group both believe Labour’s Eleanor Wills should resign as leader of the authority – just four months after being appointed.

Coun Wills was installed as the new leader in October by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), and at the time vowed to bring stability and tackle the ‘toxic culture’ in the local Labour group.

Yet last week, the political landscape of Tameside was in turmoil yet again. 

A scandal surrounding the ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ WhatsApp group saw Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne sacked as a government minister and 12 Tameside and Stockport councillors suspended from the Labour party.

Three of the council’s cabinet members, councillors Claire Reid, Jack Naylor and George Newton, stepped down from their positions due to their involvement.

Since then, the leader of Tameside Council, Eleanor Wills, has come under fire from opposition parties who have served motions of no confidence in her.

The Tameside Conservatives have written a letter to the council’s leaders, demanding an extraordinary meeting within seven days to table a motion of no confidence in Coun Wills.

The Tories say they believe Labour’s NEC intervening in the governance of the council, by replacing ex-leader Coun Ged Cooney and appointing Coun Wills in October 2024, is undemocratic. 

“The NEC also determined the composition of the Cabinet and council committees,” the letter from the Conservative group reads.

“We are particularly concerned that several individuals appointed by the NEC were members of the WhatsApp group ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ and have since been suspended by the Labour Party amid allegations of racism and bullying.”

The letter from the Conservative group goes on to say: “It is fundamental to our democracy that elected representatives serve their constituents, not external party bodies. The people of Tameside did not elect the NEC to govern on their behalf. 

“The Conservative Group is deeply concerned that the true decision-making power within the council rests with the NEC rather than the executive leader. Scrutiny and accountability are cornerstones of good governance. 

“However, a leaked NEC report has suggested that Coun Wills’ leadership is guaranteed for three years without challenge, undermining democratic principles. Leadership appointments should be subject to approval by councillors at each Annual General Meeting—not dictated by the NEC. 

“This motion of no confidence is not an attempt to overturn the Labour Group’s electoral mandate, which we respect. Instead, it seeks to uphold the accountability of the executive to all councillors, not just the NEC.”

Further calls made

The Independent Group, made up of the two independent councillors Kaleel Khan and Steven Barton, have also called for the town hall boss to resign. Their reasons relate to the leader not agreeing to meet with them and blocking their motion seeking to benefit communities and lower council tax.

Coun Khan said: “Tameside Council administers the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF), which holds £32 billion in assets. Currently, around £1.5 billion is invested in fossil fuels, with £24 million funding arms companies. 

“Public sector workers deserve to know their pensions are supporting industries that fuel war and climate destruction. Since September 2024, I have worked on a motion calling for divestment from these industries and reinvesting in ethical, local projects that create jobs and reduce council tax. 

“On January 28, Coun Wills blocked this motion, stating: ‘Due to my position within the pension fund, it would be inappropriate for me to support this motion.’ This prevented a democratic debate.”

Coun Khan, who said he took no pleasure in calling for Coun Wills’ resignation, says he was ignored multiple times in his request to have a meeting with the leader.

Coun Wills issues response

In a recent statement, Coun Wills said: “I would like to respond to concerns that have arisen as a result of comments in a historic WhatsApp group involving a number of local councillors and MPs.

“Firstly, I share the widespread sentiments of many in our community that the comments made were truly unacceptable. Like many, I was truly shocked and appalled. I empathise deeply with anyone disturbed by these comments.

“As soon as these comments came to light, immediate and robust action was taken against those involved by the Prime Minister, the Labour Party and myself as the leader of Tameside Council. This was the right thing to do and is of utmost importance to ensure the highest possible standards from elected representatives that our residents deserve.

“An investigation is ongoing and Tameside Labour are committed to transparency throughout this process and will co-operate with any investigations as required.

“When I took over as leader of the council, three months ago, I committed myself to do whatever it takes to improve standards at Tameside Council and that extends to the conduct of members.”

At the time of writing, the executive cabinet have not responded to the motions of no confidence.