I was honoured to attend Westminster Cathedral to take part in the Requiem Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis. It was a deeply moving service, filled with reflection, prayer, and gratitude for the life and legacy of a man who dedicated himself tirelessly to peace, compassion, and service to the vulnerable.

Following the Mass, I had the privilege of signing the book of condolence in the Sacristy on behalf of the Catholic community in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton. It was an opportunity to reflect on the respect and admiration for Pope Francis and all that he stood for.

Thank you to Fr Witon for the warm welcome.

Today is a chance to celebrate St George’s Day and all that brings us together.

It is fantastic to see so many flags flying in Oldham, Chadderton, & Royton, I’m proud to represent such strong, welcoming communities. Each town has its own story, character and people who make a real difference every day.

From local volunteers to small businesses, community groups to neighbours looking out for one another – thank you for all you do and to those who took time out to put the flags up.

Wishing you a great day however you’re spending it!

In my government role I take responsibility for local government and English devolution, so the England flag is always on display in my departmental office.

St. George’s Day symbolises the triumph of good over evil; the legendary fight against George and the dragon.

Today, I hope everyone has a great day whatever is planned.

Best wishes,

Jim

Today marks the rollout of free breakfast clubs in a number of our local primary schools – Whitegate End, Richmond Academy, Westwood Academy and Northmoor Academy.

It was wonderful to see how the school have organised the breakfast rounds with pupils taking responsibility for topping up cereals and fruit juice. It was great too to hear the chatter of children talking, joking and getting ready for be working day to follow. Next door was also the morning study class which was full of children learning even before the formal school day began.

These breakfast clubs mean that every child in those schools will now start their day with a healthy breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare. It’s a lifeline for working families and puts up to £450 a year back into parents’ pockets – real, practical help at a time when people need it most.

I’ve seen first-hand how valuable this is. I recently visited Northmoor Academy and spoke to students and staff about the difference it’s already making. Currently the breakfast club feeds 150 children everyday. When kids have food in their bellies and a calm start to the day, they’re ready to learn, thrive and reach their full potential.

This is politics as it should be – backing our kids, supporting our families, and tackling the root causes of poverty and inequality. Oldham West, Chadderton & Royton has one of the highest child poverty rates in Greater Manchester – we cannot and will not ignore that.

This is just one part of Labour’s plan to remove barriers and restore opportunity – cutting uniform costs, expanding childcare, and giving every child the fair start they deserve.

It’s about giving our kids in Oldham the same chances as anywhere else in the country.

Thank you to the headteacher, all the staff & the fantastic students for the welcoming visit & to Oldham Council Deputy Leader Abdul Jabbar & Councillor Abdul Malik for attending!

It was a pleasure coming back to the school, after opening it in 2016, and great to see the difference it is making.

The bank holiday weekend took me to Halifax to see an exhibition of two of Oldhams most talented artists who are leading the “Northern Art” scene.

Peter Stanaway and Kevin Haynes are exhibiting until the 25th May at the Arts Charity at Dean Clough Mills.

I first came across Peter’s work during my time on the council, when two of his paintings were installed in the Civic Centre as part of the borough’s impressive art collection. The council is fortunate to be the custodian of a significant and diverse collection—much of it generously gifted—which includes works by renowned artists such as L.S. Lowry, Helen Bradley, and William Stott.

Whenever the Oldham Open exhibition is held at Gallery Oldham, I always look forward to seeing Peter Stanaway’s work included.

Kevin’s work is renowned and has a significant following. I first saw his work at the Oldham Open many years ago, and was delighted when he generously painted a special piece for Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham, raising money for this vital facility both from the original sale and the prints which followed.

Both artists tell the story of the working class industrial North, and the local connection they have comes through the scenes they paint in the canals, mills and lives of everyday folk. Both were in high demand by the public who had attended the event, but I did manage to speak to Peter for a while which was a treat.

I don’t often encourage visits outside our borough, not least of all because there is plenty to see and do here and we have an amazing gallery of our own, but if you fancy a trip to Halifax and want to see a great collection of their work in one place it’s well worth it.

There is a nice article about it in the Oldham Times here https://www.theoldhamtimes.co.uk/…/25084455.two-oldham…/

Thanks

Jim

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 greet the faithful in St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday—a final act of devotion that captured his lifelong commitment to the people he served.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis stood as a beacon of humility, compassion and justice. He never shied away from speaking uncomfortable truths, giving voice to those who went unheard, and offering a steady moral anchor in a world too often divided and uncertain.

He reminded us all of the power of kindness, the importance of dignity, and the need to walk alongside the most vulnerable.

“𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙖𝙧. 𝙄𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙢𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡.”

May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire people of all faiths and none, around the world.

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 a chance to pause, to reconnect with loved ones, and to look ahead with optimism. Spring is in the air, days are getting longer, and there’s a real sense of turning a page. It’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy one of our country parks like Tandle Hill or Daisy Nook, take a walk down the Rochdale Canal or one of our local parks.

It’s also a time to show kindness. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbour, supporting a local charity, or simply spending time with someone who might be feeling a bit lonely—it all makes a difference.

And yes, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of chocolate while you’re at it!

Wishing you and your family a peaceful, joyful Easter.

Best wishes,

Jim

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 put in a huge investment into local sports and educational pathways centred at Boundary Park. It is clear that the future of the much loved club and its stadium is firmly at the heart of the community.

This feels like a new era. And without the perseverance of fans over a long period, and the enormous energy and dedication put in by the Rothwell family during their ownership of the club, supported by CEO Darren Royle who have breathed new life into the club and its ground, it wouldn’t be facing the exciting future it now has.

It was fantastic to meet with so many during the afternoon and great to meet Joe Royle, a legend in his own right.

We know how valuable football clubs are to fans, communities and local economies, and the more we work together to support them the greater the dividend for our town.