The count has finished and I wanted to thank all voters who came out to support Labour candidates across Chadderton, Oldham and Royton.
I’m incredibly proud of the positive campaign run across the constituency, and the decency and solid hard-work shown by our members and supporters.
For the successful candidates my heartfelt congratulations to
Eddie Moores (Chadderton North)
Elaine Taylor (Chadderton Central)
Holly Harrison (Chadderton South)
Naseem Aslam (Hollinwood)
Umar Nasheen (Medlock Vale)
To those who weren’t elected my appreciation for all you’ve done
Steve Bashforth (Royton South)
Clint Phythian (Royton North)
Ruji Surjan (Coldhurst)
The council has shifted from a slim majority to Labour remaining the largest party by some margin with 27 seats as the council moves to no overall control, with some gains from previously held Tory and Independent seats.
The campaign, as it has been a feature of local politics for half a decade, was too often continuing the unacceptable pattern of extreme, misleading and divisive politics which has come from the dark shadows into the mainstream.
This is certainly the case with Oldham Conservatives who have become now routinely mired in controversy, including in the national press as its candidate was found to have been a member of the far-right party the BNP. But they were certainly not alone and more will be said at an appropriate time on this.
But as much as it’s important to call out poor behaviour, it’s also important to say that many candidates from opposing parties conducted themselves with dignity and respect for the democratic process, and that deserves recognition too.
I know it takes a lot to put yourself forward in the current political climate.
Finally thank you to all the polling staff, police and security who worked hard to ensure our democracy can function well.
You can view the full election results here: https://www.oldham.gov.uk/localelectionresults24
Jim McMahon OBE MP 