Sam remains in charge – but colleague doesn’t vote for him
LABOUR’S Sam Corcoran fought off a Tory challenge to be re-elected as leader of Cheshire East - but one of his own councillors refused to vote for him.
Cheshire East has been run by a joint Labour/ Independent administration since the 2019 local elections with Coun Corcoran as leader.
Before 2019 Cheshire East had always been a Conservative stronghold and the Tories are still the largest party with 31 councillors.
At Wednesday’s annual meeting of the full council the Conservatives put forward Coun Janet Clowes, to be council leader so a vote had to be taken.
Coun Corcoran was re-elected as leader by 34 votes to 25, with three councillors abstaining.
One who abstained was Labour councillor Anthony Critchley.
When asked why he said, ‘I think my vote speaks for itself’, but did not wish to make further comment.
Independent Craig Browne was re-elected as the council’s deputy leader unopposed and also remains chair of the highways and transport committee
Labour and the Independent Group agreed to run the council jointly after the Tories lost their majority in the May 2019 elections.
Labour has 25 councillors, the Independent Group 18, Liberal Democrats four, the Real Independents two and there are two who are non-grouped.
Macclesfield councillors Nick Mannion and Mick Warren remain as chairs of the economy and growth and environment and communities committees respectively.
While this position for children and families stays with Coun Kathryn Flavell and Coun Jill
Rhodes retains her role as chair for adults and health.
Bollington councillor Amanda Scott continues as chair of the finance sub-committee.
The full council is up for election in 2023.