Cheshire East Council leader resigns

Councillor Sam Corcoran stood down as leader of Cheshire East Council at a meeting of full council today (17 July) ahead of a vote of no confidence.

Sam Corcoran resigned just a week after publication of the damning Corporate Peer Challenge report which warned that unless significant changes were made quickly "it is very likely that the Council will be required to issue a section 114 notice in the near future".

Speaking at the full council meeting he said "As the leader of the council I feel the pain of these setbacks and I have to take responsibility."

Looking back at the achievements during his time as leader Cllr Corcoran spoke about climate change saying "Cheshire East Council is a leading light in tackling climate change. We are 54% of the way towards our target of net zero" and the good work done through town and parish councils during Covid.

He continued "The achievement that makes me smile the most if that people enjoy working here. Our staff are our greatest asset and I believe people do a good job when they enjoy doing it."

Councillor Nick Mannion, Labour ward councillor for Macclesfield West and Ivy, has been elected as the new leader of the Council.

Councillor Mannion said: "Firstly, I must place on record my deepest thanks and appreciation to Sam Corcoran. I have served with him in cabinet and then as a committee chair since May 2019.

"During this time, Sam's determination and commitment to the duties of leader of the council has been unstinting. From leading the council through the Covid pandemic, to our response to the current financial challenge, he has led us through some of the greatest challenges in the council's history – as well as many significant achievements.

"Looking to the future, I want to continue and accelerate the work to place the council on a more-sustainable financial footing and guide the council's transformation programme to its completion. I cannot do that alone, nor can one political group.

"We must work together across the council, supporting officers to deliver for Cheshire East – we owe it to the residents and businesses in our borough."

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of the council, said: "I would like to thank Cllr Sam Corcoran for the significant contribution he has made and recognise the dedication and commitment he has demonstrated in five years as leader.

"At today's council meeting, we have been dealing with a number of significant reports relating to work to transform the council. This is the culmination of work led by Cllr Corcoran, with the chief executive and myself, to deal with the incredibly difficult financial challenge that Cheshire East Council, along with many other councils across the country, is experiencing.

"This work includes the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge and action plan, establishing an independently chaired assurance panel and developing a transformation programme. This work will see the council achieve financial sustainability and we can look forward to developing a new Cheshire East Plan focussed on supporting prosperity and wellbeing for Cheshire East's residents, businesses and communities.

"I congratulate Cllr Mannion on his election as the new leader of the council. I look forward to working with him to lead the council's improvement journey and to continue to deliver for Cheshire East."