The leader of Cheshire East Council has resigned – just before he was due to face a vote of no confidence.
Cllr Sam Corcoran announced he was standing down as council leader at today’s (Wednesday) meeting of the full council at Jodrell Bank.
He will be replaced by Cllr Nick Mannion.
Forty-eight councillors voted for Cllr Mannion as the new leader and 22 did not vote.
Cllr Corcoran’s resignation comes just a week after the publication of a damning peer review report on the council from the Local Government Association, which warned Cheshire East is at risk of effective bankruptcy if it doesn’t take quick action.
It also comes after the council’s children’s services was rated as inadequate by Ofsted.
Cllr Corcoran told today's meeting: “The Labour group has always stressed supporting children so the Ofsted inadequate rating was a particular blow…
“As the leader of the council I feel the pain of these setbacks and I have to take responsibility.”
He also listed his achievements, including the council being a leading light in tackling climate change.
“We are 54 per cent of the way towards our target of net zero,” he said.
He then talked about the abuse he had received and the abuse politicians in general receive.
“I think it is up to us to improve the reputation of politics by working together and moving on from the problems of the past,” he said.
“Many will find that difficult while I am leader of the council.
“I hope that everyone will work with the next leader of the council to improve the reputation of politicians and to address the challenges facing us all.
“We have a transformation programme… the leader of the council will need the confidence of all major groups to carry through that transformation programme.
“It is clear I do not enjoy that confidence and therefore I resign as leader of the council.”
Cllr Corcoran has been leader of Cheshire East since the Conservatives lost overall control of the council at the May 2019 local elections.
He is the longest serving Cheshire East leader.
The Conservatives are still the largest party on the council but it is ruled by a joint Labour/Independent administration.
Cllr Corcoran has been leader of the Labour group in Cheshire East since 2017.
He was thanked at today’s meeting for his service by fellow councillors.
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