New Stockport council boss promises to ‘deliver’ for residents as borough faces transformation and challenges

A new top boss has been chosen to lead Stockport council as the borough enters a period of transformation and challenges.

Michael Cullen has been recommended for the role after previous chief executive Caroline Simpson was chosen to lead the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester.

The journey from Stockport to Manchester town hall is becoming an established path, with GMCA's outgoing boss Eamonn Boylan also having served as Stockport's chief executive before moving to Manchester.

READ MORE: Stockport's hidden gem bakeries, cafes and restaurants to be celebrated as part of new food tour

Mr Cullen takes over as top boss at Stockport while the council is under no overall control with a Lib Dem minority administration, with two years until the next round of local elections in the borough.

He was considered a strong contender early on when the job became available, for having served as Stockport's deputy chief executive and his long-term involvement at the council.

The decision was made after an appointment committee on June 17, which involved councillors from different political parties in Stockport town hall.

Candidates from within the council and external applicants were considered for the role.

Sources from Stockport's Lib Dem, Labour, and independent groups have told the MEN of their backing of Mr Cullen for the role, who will enjoy widespread support in the council chamber.

But his appointment comes at a time when the borough is undergoing major regeneration - and facing a number of immediate challenges.

While projects such as building thousands of new homes and making improvements to transport infrastructure are transforming the borough, Stockport is facing a spike in homelessness