Some say Greater Manchester could be ‘ungovernable’

Oldham Council is said to be “in chaos” as political groups battle it out for the leadership of the town hall after it failed to make it into general control following local elections. Independents want to form a “mega-coalition” to challenge Labour, which is trying to stay in power with the support of non-party councillors.

Labour, which went into the election with a majority of just one, lost a total of four and four seats (in addition to losing one councilor who became an independent in the run-up to the polls), with a further eight independent candidates taking one seat. in the room. There are now 27 Labor councillors; 16 independents; nine Liberal Democrats; and eight conservatives.

The council faces an uncertain immediate future, with some councilors and parties refusing to engage or co-operate. Many say they had “no idea” what was coming as voters prepared to go to the polls.

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A source said Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Makes me think this city might be ungovernable.” Labor remains the largest political group and continues to lead, but falls short of a majority.

Bosses need the support of outside advisers to get votes and do business. In an interview after the election, council leader Arooj Shah said, “We may not be in overall control, but we are still in control. We are still the biggest party.

“My message to all the opposition groups in Oldham is that now it’s about coming together and putting the people of Oldham first.”

Another Labor source said: “There is only one party that can provide stability in this city.” Groups including the Lib Dems, The Oldham Group and Failsworth Independents ruled out “formal coalitions” with the party.

Lib Dem leader Howard Sykes said he was “looking forward to a future without work”, listing his party’s demands for collaboration with other groups, including a review of the Places for Everyone housing scheme; restoration of Oldham Coliseum; and an emphasis on fly-tipping.

He added: “Whose seat he sits on doesn’t matter to us. This is about the people of Oldham and changing the council’s priorities.”

The Oldham Group is preparing for a leadership challenge against Coun Shah in the hope of creating a “mega-coalition” of all 16 independents, which could form an alliance with the Lib Dems and/or Tories, according to councilor Kamran Ghafoor.

He said “the people of Oldham have demanded new leadership” by voting in eight independent councillors, adding: “We are willing to work with anyone – except Labour… as long as our priorities are met.”

Councilors have until May 22 to reach an agreement, when the first full council meeting of the year is due to take place.