Councillor steps down from post

LABOUR councillor Nigel Newton has announced he will stand down from his St James’ ward post for personal reasons.

Elected in May 2011, Councillor Newton has attended only one of the last seven meetings he was expected to attend. His last attendance was an Oldham Council meeting in October 2013.

Councillor Newton said: “Unfortunately, my personal circumstances have meant it isn’t possible for me to continue. The support of the people of St James’ has helped me enormously and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Council leader Jim McMahon paid tribute to Councillor Newton.

He said: “It is testament to Nigel that he decided if he wasn’t able to give 100 per cent then it was better to stand aside and give someone else the opportunity. I wish Nigel well for the future.”