Exactly 10 years ago today, the Oldham West & Royton by-election took place and I was elected as its Member of Parliament. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve for all those in the communities of Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton for the past decade, and as councillor in the borough for 12 years before that.
So much has happened over those years, not least of all another three General Elections, the EU Referendum, the pandemic, a Labour government elected and much more! But today I just wanted to say Thank You to constituents who have allowed me to represent you in Parliament, and that however you voted and even if you didn’t vote at all, that I appreciate the many constructive and respectful exchanges over those years. I’ve always tried hard to represent everyone in every part of the constituency regardless of political views. I know once the votes are counted you only have one MP and it matters to me that we help anyone who needs it.
And through this role my team and I have been able to help many thousands of local people, often when the system has let them down and sometimes when it can feel there was nowhere left to go. I know the individual difference that has made to so many.
And so a Thank You to my team today, and those who have worked with me throughout the years and played their part. They are the people who make sure we see through the battles for local people and the wins are very often a result of their efforts. And to my own family for supporting me to do what is an incredible if not demanding responsibility.
Politics isn’t easy and in Oldham it is never dull, we know that gets a lot of attention, but what isn’t talked about enough is the amazing networks of decent people doing their bit in every corner of our borough, not for reward or status but for the care and commitment they have for the community. I see it every single week and it gives me hope our best days are ahead of us.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 