JimfromOldham

On the passing of Pope Francis

My thoughts and condolences are with the Catholic community in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, and with the 1.4 billion Catholics across the world who today mourn the loss of a remarkable spiritual leader. As Holy Week drew to a close, it meant a great deal to see Pope Francis gather the strength to greetContinue reading “On the passing of Pope Francis”

Wishing everyone a happy Easter Sunday

For many, Easter is a cornerstone of faith—a time to remember the story of hope, renewal, and sacrifice at the heart of Christianity. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there’s always the promise of new beginnings. But whether or not you celebrate Easter in a religious sense, this season offers aContinue reading “Wishing everyone a happy Easter Sunday”

Latics in action at Boundary Park

Great to be at Boundary Park yesterday to see Latics in action against Hartlepool … and to secure a win! Thank you to the Rothwell family, Directors and club for having us. It’s the first time being back since the launch of SportsTown project, a £70 million masterplan in a Community Regeneration Partnership to putContinue reading “Latics in action at Boundary Park”

Prime Minister Commits to Oldham Born ‘Votes at 16’

The Prime Minister’s affirmation last week that the Government intends to adopt the campaign to lower the voting age to 16, stating it would ‘definitely happen’, is very encouraging. In November 2017, in co-operation with Oldham Youth Council, I introduced the Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement and Education) Private Member’s Bill, aiming toContinue reading “Prime Minister Commits to Oldham Born ‘Votes at 16’”

Pressing GMP to Make Our Roads Safer

I have written to Greater Manchester Police to express serious concern over the recent rise in dangerous driving across Oldham, particularly following a series of alarming incidents, including a fatal crash in Chadderton. While I previously raised this issue with GMP in December 2023 – and welcomed the 16% drop in incidents that followed –Continue reading “Pressing GMP to Make Our Roads Safer”

Delivering for high street businesses with a permanent 40% rate relief

Certainty for our town centre retailers Putting the online and the on-street on a level playing field Redressing the imbalance between the out-of-town and the in-town 1 million properties protected from any inflationary increases next year Driving footfall, to breathe new life into communities Our Business Rates reforms have now become law, with the passageContinue reading “Delivering for high street businesses with a permanent 40% rate relief”

Acting to Save British Steel

Today Parliament has been recalled, for the sixth sitting Saturday since World War 2, to take decisive action to save the British steel industry. It’s essential that we step in to preserve our core industries, fight for national security and safeguard British jobs.

Weekly Ministerial Round-up

This week the House rose on Tuesday for the beginning of Easter Recess, but this hasn’t meant a break with still a lot going on! On Monday, we had the last OPQs of this Parliamentary session. I responded to questions on improving the accountability of local government, and on improving resilience in councils so theyContinue reading “Weekly Ministerial Round-up”