Labour has retained control of Tameside Council after a leadership challenge from the Reform group was defeated at the first council meeting following local elections. The meeting, held on 26 May, saw Reform propose councillor Allan Hopwood as an alternative leader to Eleanor Wills, who has led the council since 2024, and councillor Christopher Stones as a replacement for chair Joe Kitchen. Both bids were rejected after the Conservative group backed Labour to avoid a 'political deadlock', similar to that in Oldham.
The election earlier this month ended 47 years of Labour control, leaving the council with no overall majority: 25 Labour councillors, 19 Reform, five Conservatives, four independents, and four members of the independent group. Reform argued that the result demanded fairer representation, with councillor Frater stating, 'People have voted based on change, not to stick with what we’re doing now.' Labour countered that the borough needed stability and experienced leadership during a period of transition.
Conservative councillor Doreen Dickinson addressed Reform directly, saying, 'You’re all brand new. You have no idea what you’re doing. You have to learn, and then you can take over.' She emphasised there was 'no coalition, no alliance, no secret deals' with Labour. After securing her position, leader Eleanor Wills told Reform, 'I will stand here and continue to fight for the people of Tameside, until they tell me your voice is the only one they want to hear.'
The meeting also saw the appointment of Helen Bowden as the new civic mayor, succeeding Shibley Alam, who last year became the first woman born in Bangladesh to hold the role in northern England. The public gallery was well attended, with one protester holding a sign criticising Labour, later used as a fan in the 30-degree heat.
