A political twist has emerged in Middlesbrough: a councillor who previously opposed council-funded pest control is now raising alarm about a rat infestation! Councillor Joan McTigue's recent outcry at a Middlesbrough Council meeting has ignited debate, especially considering her past voting record. But here’s where it gets controversial... is this a genuine concern for her constituents, or a politically motivated shift?
According to reports from January 17, 2026, Councillor McTigue, representing the Longlands and Beechwood ward, didn't mince words, stating that rats are "everywhere." This declaration came despite, as highlighted by Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, her vote against implementing a council pest control service in the 2023/24 budget.
McTigue claims she regularly receives complaints about the rodent problem and questioned whether a previously discontinued rodent-busting scheme could be reinstated. She specifically pointed to the services offered to tenants of Thirteen, a housing association, implying a disparity in pest control support, stating, “If you’re a Thirteen tenant, I know for a fact that they will come out and do whatever’s necessary. I don’t know what other housing associations will do, but I know that we [the council] won’t.” This raises a critical question: Should all residents have equal access to pest control services, regardless of their housing provider?
McTigue didn't shy away from identifying potential sources of the problem, pointing fingers at takeaways and the litter they generate. She recounted conversations with pest control professionals, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the issue: "I’ve spoken to one of the vermin men and once the rats see some food, they will go back there time and time again. They will breed there.” This highlights a potential link between food waste management and pest control effectiveness, something many cities grapple with.
Mayor Cooke responded by outlining the budget plans for 2026/27, which include increased pest control provision. And this is the part most people miss... he directly addressed McTigue's previous vote against such services, presenting receipts from early 2023 as evidence. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation, prompting questions about the councillor's motivations and the timing of her concerns. It's worth remembering that the 2023 budget was the last one set before the local elections that resulted in a change of administration, adding further political context.
Cooke also emphasized the improvements already made, noting that the number of pest control operatives covering green spaces had increased from one to four since the previous budget approved in early 2025. He promised McTigue would be "really overwhelmed" by the incoming budget, highlighting the introduction of a subsidized residents’ pest control service. However, he clarified that this service wouldn't be available to residents already covered by providers with existing statutory duties.
McTigue defended her position by stating that the rat problem wasn't as severe in her area back in 2023, adding, "I’ve had them, for the first time.” Cooke responded with a touch of sarcasm, acknowledging the existence of rats in 2023 but emphasizing that earlier action could have mitigated the current problem. He then cleverly framed the upcoming budget vote as a choice between services that benefit young people and those that benefit rats. This raises a fundamental question: How should local councils prioritize resource allocation to address diverse community needs?
As reported in December, the proposed budget includes significant investment in the environment department, including doubling neighborhood caretakers, reinstating park keepers, introducing a becks team, and enhancing street cleansing. Mayor Cooke reiterated that the subsidized resident pest control service will also be included.
So, what do you think? Is Councillor McTigue's change of heart a genuine response to a growing problem, or is there a political agenda at play? Should councillors be held accountable for past voting decisions when addressing current issues? And what's the most effective way for Middlesbrough to tackle its rat problem – stricter regulations for takeaways, increased pest control services, or a combination of both? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
