New Mayor takes chain of office

Photo: Darren Robinson

Outgoing mayor Councillor John Hudson hands over chain of office to Councillor Fida Hussain.

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAM’S new mayor “never in his wildest dreams” thought he would be given such an honour.

Councillor Fida Hussain yesterday officially took over as Mayor of Oldham at the annual mayor-making Ceremony at Oldham Civic Centre.

Councillor Hussain, whose family came to England to work in the textile industry in 1969, said: “I little thought that when I came to England at the age of seven that I would become Mayor of this great town.

“I would like to thank my fellow councillors for giving me this great honour. I have great support from my family and I would like to thank them for everything they have done. I will do my utmost to serve the people of Oldham and I thank you all for putting your trust in me.”

Councillors unanimously approved the appointment after the new Mayor’s nomination was moved by Labour councillor Shaob Akhtar, seconded by Lib- Dem councillor and opposition leader Howard Sykes and supported by Conservative councillor Graham Sheldon.

Councillor Hussain, who has represented Werneth ward for Labour since 2002, takes over from Councillor John Hudson, who expressed the importance of not letting politics get in the way of the interests of the borough.

Councillor Hudson, who has raised more than £48,000 for charity in his mayoral year, said: “The most important thing in this chamber should be to do what is best for the people of the borough. My advice to our new Mayor is to put your faith in the people of Oldham and they will respond.”

The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman and deputy Mayoress is his wife, Councillor Yasmin Toor.



TWO long-serving former Oldham councillors were thanked for their efforts at yesterday’s full council meeting.

Labour councillor John Battye, who lost his seat in Failsworth West to UKIP councillor Warren Bates after more than 20 years on the council, was hailed by both Labour and Lib-Dem councillors.

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “He was the person I would always go to for advice if I needed it. I was shocked that he was not returned as a councillor but I am not sure we have seen the last of him.”

Former Labour councillor Hugh MacDonald did not stand for re-election in Alexandra ward after being suspended by the party over leaked information. Lib-Dem councillors hit out at the way his party dealt with Mr MacDonald and praised jos work as a councillor.


OLDHAM Council’s new chief executive, Carolyn Wilkins, was welcomed to her role by councillors. Councillors also thanked Steven Mair, who is to leave his post as borough treasurer next month.