International Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on Oldham’s proud history of pioneering women who have shaped our borough, our country, and beyond.

Perhaps most famously, Annie Kenney led the fight for women’s right to vote alongside her sister Jessie Kenney. Annie’s contribution to the suffrage movement is now commemorated in Parliament Square, ensuring her place in history alongside the greats.

Oldham was also home to Dame Sarah Anne Lees, a true trailblazer who became the first female councillor in the county of Lancashire and later the first female Mayor of Oldham—only the second woman in England to hold such a role. Her daughter, Marjory Lees, continued her legacy, serving as President of the Oldham Women’s Suffrage Society and championing women’s rights in her own right.

But while we celebrate our past, we also look to the present and future—and today, women continue to lead the way in Oldham and beyond.

Following last week’s Council meeting, Oldham Council is now led at the top by women: Cllr Arooj Shah as Leader of the Council, and Shelley Kipling as its new Chief Executive, alongside Deputy Leader Cllr Elaine Taylor.

On the national stage, women are driving change in local government too, with Cllr Louise Gittins serving as Chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), Cllr Bev Craig leading the Labour Group, and Joanna Killian as LGA Chief Executive.

And of the three Members of Parliament representing Oldham, two women holding senior positions in nationally:

• Lucy Powell, MP, serves as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the (King’s) Council.

• Debbie Abrahams, MP, chairs the influential Work and Pensions Select Committee.

And prior to the recent boundary changes, Angela Rayner, MP, now Deputy Prime Minister, also represented part of the borough—and, of course, she’s my government departmental boss!

In policing, Oldham’s Chief Superintendent Estelle Mathieson leads as District Commander, while Kate Green serves as Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, overseeing policing across the region.

The Royal Oldham Hospital also boasts strong female leadership, with Director of Nursing Karen Coverley and many other women playing vital roles in healthcare.

And in news and media the Oldham based Manchester Evening News is led by Editor Sarah Lester.

And beyond politics and public service, Oldham continues to produce inspirational women in sport, entertainment, and business—from Nicola White MBE, Olympic gold medalist and Freeman of the Borough of Oldham, to the many talented and driven women making a difference across all sectors.

And of course the women who lead and support my own role in my family and also in my parliamentary offices in Oldham and London, who are the best of public service and make a difference to thousands of people every year.

Happy International Women’s Day to all!