JimfromOldham

Weekly Ministerial Round-up

It was straight to London for a ministerial statement on Monday on the current industrial action in Birmingham, which is causing misery and disruption for residents with piles of rubbish building up on the streets. We have been clear that this can not continue and a solution must be found, and it is subject toContinue reading “Weekly Ministerial Round-up”

Sending our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Bowles

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Bowles, after the senseless and tragic incident that happened in Chadderton last week. I would also like to share on behalf of St Anne’s CE Lydgate Primary School, where Paul was a teacher, that a fundraiser has been set upContinue reading “Sending our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Bowles”

Record Funding for Greater Manchester

Today is also a huge day for devolution in our area, as it is the first day of the Greater Manchester Integrated Settlement. The start of record funding of £630 million for Greater Manchester to improve our transport network, invest in education and skills development, and boost housing across the region. We have already seenContinue reading “Record Funding for Greater Manchester”

Making Work Pay

Work should pay fairly and offer a good standard of living, but for too many people that isn’t the case. No matter how hard they work covering the cost of living is hard. That’s why Labour introduced the Minimum Wage in 1999. I left school at 16 years old and went straight into the worldContinue reading “Making Work Pay”

Celebrating an Oldhamer who went from Dowry Mill to Downing Street

John Robert Clynes, born on 27 March 1869, was a remarkable figure who transitioned from mill worker to trade unionist and senior Labour Party politician. Serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for 35 years, he led the Labour Party during its pivotal breakthrough in the 1922 general election, increasing the party’s representation from 85Continue reading “Celebrating an Oldhamer who went from Dowry Mill to Downing Street”

Eid Mubarak

Wishing Muslim constituents across Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton a peaceful and prosperous Eid-al-Fitr as Ramadan draws to a close.

Weekly Ministerial Round-up

Aside from the usual internal meetings, it was good to talk again in the Chamber during the final stages of the government’s Business Rates Bill, where we considered the amendments put forward by the House of Lords. Once past these final stages and given Royal Assent, this law will provide certainty by introducing a permanentContinue reading “Weekly Ministerial Round-up”

Tax cut to support high street businesses

We need a fairer business rates system that protects the high street, supports investment and is fit for the present day. High streets are places that bring people together, foster community pride and boost economic activity in our area. That is why, I have been working in Government to ensure we have a long termContinue reading “Tax cut to support high street businesses”