Dear readers — some of you may know Tameside Council simply because you live in the borough. For others, it has slightly more controversial connotations. Two national scandals have engulfed this council since 2025: first there was ‘Trigger Me Timbers’, a WhatsApp group with Labour party figures that exposed sexist and racist texts. Then we investigated claims that Tameside Labour was planting fake independents in the local elections, which made national headlines and led to six arrests. Now, it’s Tameside Reform’s turn in the spotlight, after a year-long ITV investigation uncovered racist and sexist remarks from party figures across the country — including Tameside councillor Raymond Dunning. It’s only been five months since a resounding victory for Tameside Reform in the local elections. Is it all falling apart for the group — or is Labour pointing fingers with unclean hands?
Before we get into all that though, there are just 50 entirely free Mill subscriptions left as part of our scheme with the Postcode Lottery to give away free memberships to young people. Are you aged 16-25? Do you know someone that is? Would you like to kick the doomscrolling habit, or do you know someone in that age bracket who wants to kick their doomscrolling habit? If so, you should sign up for free. You won’t just get access to this article, but to our entire back catalogue of stories since 2020, and everything we publish for the rest of the year. Share this with a young person who has been on the edge of their seat about unearthing Tameside Council’s goings-on for some time now, but is always getting side-tracked by Instagram reels. You can claim your free membership right here.
And last but not least, the latest episode of our podcast — The Run of The Mill — is out now. Jack is joined by Alec to discuss his story about the iconic CIS Tower, Manchester's first skyscraper. They muse on how Manchester buildings don’t have much cool stuff in them anymore (saunas, bowling alleys, observation decks), and Jack describes the things Alec likes as “millennial” and it makes Alec sad. Listen below!
And if you don’t use Spotify, click here to listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Now, onto the piece.
TfGM is carrying out major tram improvements
From Monday 19 October to Sunday 1 November:
- No trams will operate on the Eccles, Trafford Centre or Altrincham lines.
- East Didsbury and Manchester Airport trams will terminate at Firswood.
- Rochdale trams will terminate at Exchange Square.
From Monday 2 November to Wednesday 4 November:
- Minor diversions will be made to tram routes within the city centre.
Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey. Replacement buses serve selected stops only. Bee Network bus or rail may provide a more convenient option. To see how your journey is affected, click below.
Interested in sponsoring The Mill? Get in touch.
‘I’m so, so far right it’s unbelievable’: Tameside is in trouble, again
Kaleel Khan tells me a story. He’s walking down a corridor in Tameside One – a long, white civic hub in Ashton-under-Lyne – when two Reform councillors approach him. Khan is the Independent councillor for St Peter’s, and he’s just been meeting a constituent at his surgery. It’s Tuesday 13 October, and these councillors have some grave news to share.
Aged 16-25? You can read this piece for free if you sign up via the button below. All you need is a form of ID.
This article is for paying members only
Join The Mill for full access to this story, plus four great features delivered to your inbox every week — and the knowledge that you're supporting a new model of local news that puts quality and honesty first.
From £8.95/month · cancel anytime
Get full accessAlready have an account? Sign In
