Town hall chief begins cabinet reshuffle following Trigger Me Timbers resignations

A cabinet reshuffle has started at Tameside Council following a spate of resignations in the wake of the Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp group scandal.

Cllr Hugh Roderick is now in charge of the council’s finances. This comes after his predecessor, Cllr Jack Naylor was among three cabinet members to step down after being exposed as members of the 'sexist and racist' messaging group. 

Leaked messages from the group led to Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne being sacked from his position as health minister on Saturday.

The Labour MP has been accused of making antisemitic, sexist and racist remarks in the group.

Denton councillors Claire Reid, George Newton and Jack Naylor, members of the group chat, stepped down from their senior positions on the council.

Tameside Council business must carry on, with the local authority needing to set their budget in the coming weeks. This is why a new finance boss has been appointed. 

Cllr Eleanor Wills, executive leader of Tameside Council, said: “In light of the recent resignations, we are actively working on filling cabinet positions to ensure continuity and effective governance.

"I’m pleased to say we have now appointed Cllr Hugh Roderick to the role of executive member for finance and resource to drive forward the immediate work around our budget setting. 

“Cllr Roderick has been a Hyde-Newton Councillor since 2022 and was most recently the assistant executive member for armed forces and culture. He is a dedicated community leader and volunteer and will be very capable in leading this portfolio to ensure we continue serving our community.”

“I want to reassure the public that we are fully committed to maintaining continuity as well as upholding the highest standards of conduct. We are taking proactive steps to address these recent challenges and complaints and concerns will be thoroughly investigated as part of this process to ensure accountability. 

“I will keep the public informed as we move forward with any changes.”