Councillor issues public statement in bid to lead crisis-hit council

A Tameside councillor who left her a cabinet role last week has vowed to transform the scandal-hit authority in a bid to be named its new leader.

In a letter seeking support from Labour colleagues, Coun Eleanor Wills said the local authority needs a 'culture reset'. It follows a tumultuous week, in which both Tameside Council's chief executive and the council leader quit.

After leaving her position in charge of health and wellbeing, Coun Wills has thrown her hat in the ring for the vacant top job following the resignation of Coun Ged Cooney. It is not currently known how many other councillors have expressed interest in the position.

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On October 8, it first emerged that ex-boss of the paid service, Sandra Stewart, had quit amid criticism of the council for failings in children’s services. Just three days later, Coun Cooney stepped down as leader, alongside his deputies, following a number of resignations from his cabinet and other senior councillors.

Over the next few days, it has been suggested that a new council leader will be brought in under the guidance of the national Labour Party. Labour confirmed last week that they had implemented a 'campaign improvement board' in Tameside to oversee the changes.

In her letter, Coun Wills has put cleaning up children’s services as her key priority. The Dukinfield & Stalybridge ward representative explained that ‘decisive action’ needs to be taken.

Her letter, directed towards her council peers, read: “I wanted to let you know that I have just submitted my application for Leader of Tameside Labour Group. I believe now is the time for fresh leadership; time for a new generation to take the