EXCLUSIVE: Oldham Councillor’s wife not giving up despite threatening phone call

The mystery male caller told Adrian Alexander he would make sure he would not be a councillor on Election Day and not be Oldham’s next Mayor.

But in a rapid response Cllr Alexander’s wife, Ginnie, took to social media to attack the caller.

“I am absolutely fuming and distraught,” she said.

“Some coward phoned Adrian to say because he is on the Licensing Committee they will make sure that he will not be Councillor on May 2 for Saddleworth West and Lees and he will not become Oldham’s next Mayor.”

And addressing the caller personally she said defiantly: “I have got news for you: go to hell we will win.”

Later in an exclusive interview, she said: “I’m very worried about the call but we are not going to give up our election campaign.

“Adrian only becomes Mayor if he wins his seat on May 2 but the threat was awful and we need people to back us.

“I’ve contacted the council leader and the mayor’s office asking that our personal details are removed from the council’s website.”

Councillor Alexander, 64, is a former England Rugby Union International player and played Rugby League locally.

He said: “At first I thought the call was a wind-up by a friend.  But the caller, who spoke with a clipped, African accent, asked if I was on the licensing committee then he outlined the threat.

“He was very purposeful but when I challenged him he ended the call.”

The couple reported the incident to police who have launched an investigation into the incident.

“I’m certainly not be stopping campaigning,” said Cllr Alexander who is chair of Saddleworth and Lees District Executive.

Meantime, the couple’s supporters condemned the threat on social media.

Former Saddleworth school head boy Joe Wheeler is standing as a Labour councillor candidate for the Springhead Lower Ward in the Parish council elections.

He said: “If this coward can threaten to ensure that Cllr. Alexander will not carry out another term of service, then we will retaliate with the guarantee we will dedicate every ounce of our being to ensure his election as Councillor for Saddleworth West and Lees and his bid for the Mayorship is successful!

“You both have my full support,” he added.

 

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