Residents of Wilmslow (RoW) welcomes the outcome of yesterday’s vote, in which the motion of no confidence in RoW Councillor Michael Gorman, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, failed.

 

The motion was brought forward by the Cheshire East Conservative Group in an attempt to force the resignation of Councillor Gorman and the Leader of the Council. It focused on three areas: a letter sent to government expressing the council’s support for the Adlington New Town proposal; the financial management of the council; and the perceived lack of progress in the council’s transformation programme.

 

In his speech to council — and in those of other members — each of these issues was addressed, including the circumstances surrounding the Adlington letter and the existence of a Non-Disclosure Agreement imposed on the council, which had prevented Councillor Gorman from commenting publicly or responding to allegations.

 

When it came to the vote, the motion failed to secure sufficient support among councillors and was defeated.

 

We are grateful to the council members who supported Councillor Gorman, helping to ensure continuity and stability at a critical time for the authority.

 

It is disappointing that the Conservative Group chose to pursue this course of action when Cheshire East Council is under scrutiny from central government due to its precarious financial position. This is a moment that calls for steady leadership and co -operation, not political distraction.

 

More broadly, this episode highlights the importance of robust debate conducted with fairness, compassion, and respect.

Once new information regarding the Non-Disclosure Agreement was explained to members, there was an opportunity for greater understanding — whether through withdrawing the motion pending further inquiry or allowing members the space to abstain, rather than being compelled to vote along party lines.

 

Political disagreement should never lose sight of the fact that councillors are people first. The personal impact of this process on both the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council — and on their families — should give all of us pause for thought.

When politics moves from debate into division, it risks painting a poor picture not only of our political system, but of society as a whole.

RoW remains committed to a more constructive, respectful approach to local politics, focused on accountability, integrity, and the communities we serve.