Chronicle boss refused press access to Council budget meeting

Matt Ramsbottom was refused access to the press area ahead of last night's Oldham Council budget meeting

The Oldham Chronicle’s Managing Director, Matt Ramsbottom, was refused access to the allocated press area at last night's (Thursday) budget meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Mr Ramsbottom had written to Shelley Kipling, the recently-appointed Oldham Council CEO, raising concerns on behalf of the people of Oldham.

Excerpts from the email were published by the Chronicle yesterday afternoon.

Mr Ramsbottom described the incident.

He said: "It was clear that the purpose of the incident was to humiliate me in front of councillors, and council staff.

"I made my feelings clear that I was being humiliated.

"The doorman was extremely polite when asked who had given the order.

"I was informed it was Smyth Harper, a communications officer known to me who insinuated he didn’t like our story earlier in the day.

"I accused him of being a bully and undemocratic, with the situation being an attack on UK free press.

"Thank goodness it was witnessed by staff, including a former member of my team that I trust."

The Chronicle has formally requested an apology and has offered the council the right to reply.

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