Stourbridge MP Announces Departure from Dudley Council Role
Cat Eccles, the Labour MP for Stourbridge, has officially confirmed she will stand down as a councillor for Dudley Council ahead of the local elections in May. This decision comes after significant scrutiny over her attendance at council meetings, which has sparked criticism from political opponents.
Attendance Record Under Fire
Cllr Eccles has faced intense criticism for her 36 percent attendance rate at council meetings during the current administrative year. Her Conservative predecessor in Parliament, Suzanne Webb, described the attendance as 'woeful', highlighting the controversy surrounding her dual roles.
In response, Cllr Eccles defended her record, stating: 'Since being elected as an MP I've always said I would stand down as a councillor at the next scheduled election, to avoid unnecessary expense to the council for a by-election.' She emphasized that she has not taken an allowance for her councillor duties since July 2024 and has continued to represent her ward residents while serving in Westminster.
Clashes with Parliamentary Duties
Eccles explained that attending every council meeting has been challenging due to scheduling conflicts with Parliament. 'I have attended key council meetings, like budget setting, but as meetings often clash with Parliament it hasn't been possible to attend every single one,' she said. Despite this, she asserted her commitment to her constituents, noting she supports hundreds of residents weekly by resolving issues and raising concerns with the council and ministers.
Political Criticism and Defense
The criticism extended beyond party lines, with Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Tromans also voicing concerns. At a full council meeting on February 23, Cllr Tromans, who represents the same Wollaston and Stourbridge Town ward, remarked: 'I make no apology for standing up for my residents. For the reference of my ward colleagues, particularly the one who has an attendance rate of less than 50 percent in this chamber, that is what representation looks like.'
In her defense, Cllr Eccles highlighted the tangible impact of her work: 'The real work of a community representative are these interactions which can make a tangible difference to people's lives.' She expressed pride in her service, stating: 'It has been an honour to serve my home ward of Wollaston and Stourbridge Town as a councillor and I'm proud of the work I've done for local people.'
Implications for May Elections
With Cllr Eccles stepping down, voters in the Wollaston and Stourbridge Town ward will have an unscheduled seat to fill in the upcoming local elections. This development adds an unexpected element to the political landscape in Dudley, as residents prepare to choose a new representative.
Eccles concluded by thanking her supporters: 'I'd like to thank all the residents who have supported me over the last three years.' Her departure marks the end of a chapter in local politics, as she focuses solely on her parliamentary duties moving forward.
