Council rocked by WhatsApp scandal makes first move after string of resignations

Tameside's leader has started a cabinet reshuffle following a string of resignations.

Coun Hugh Roderick is now in charge of the council’s finances. This comes after his predecessor, Coun Jack Naylor was among three cabinet members to step down amid the ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ WhatsApp group scandal.

Leaked messages from the WhatsApp group led to Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne being sacked from his position as health minister on Saturday (February 8). The Labour MP has been accused of making anti-Semitic, sexist and racist remarks in the group.

On Tuesday night, eleven Greater Manchester councillors from Tameside and Stockport involved in the scandal were all suspended from the Labour party while an investigation took place.

Denton councillors Claire Reid, George Newton and Jack Naylor, members of the group chat, were among those suspended, after they had all stepped down from their senior positions on the council earlier this week.

Now, a new finance boss has now been appointment at Tameside Council, with the local authority needing to set their budget in the coming weeks. The remaining posts on the cabinet will soon be re-appointed.

Coun 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 Coun Hugh Roderick to the role of executive member for finance and resource to drive forward the immediate work around our budget setting.

“Coun 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