Cheshire East Council has elected Councillor Nick Mannion as the new leader after councillor Sam Corcoran stood down during a meeting of full council on 17 July.

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.

Councillor Sam Corcoran stood down during a meeting of full council on Wednesday 17 July (Cheshire East Council).

"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."

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, warning Cheshire East is at risk of effective bankruptcy if it doesn't take quick action.

48 councillors voted for Cllr Mannion as the new leader, with 22 not voting.

Deputy leader of Cheshire East, Cllr Michael Gorman, 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.

Deputy leader of Cheshire East, Cllr Michael Gorman (Cheshire East 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."

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