This is an important read from Oldham Labour Group Leader Cllr Arooj Shah.
For too long, too many people have tried to divide communities.
When politics becomes a competition of grievance, communities lose. When misinformation and division take hold, extremists of all stripes benefit.
The answer isn’t to retreat into our separate corners. It’s to build stronger communities, tackle inequality and focus on the things that bring people together.
The real issues facing working people are cost of living pressures, decent jobs, good housing, safe streets and opportunities for our kids.
Oldham has always been at its best when people stand together, not when they’re set against one another.
When I posted my own reflections, as sadly expected it was quickly followed by comments from political opponents who would rather continue the politics of division than step up to improve things. Put bias and party politics to one side, but the borough front and centre.
Worth a read https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/01/identity-politics-greater-manchester-oldham-arooj-shah
Jim McMahon OBE MP 