Oldham Group leader accuses council of 'smear campaign'

Kamran Ghafoor, the Leader of the independent faction known as The Oldham Group on Oldham Council, has responded to what he has described as a 'smear campaign by Councillor Elaine Taylor and Oldham Council'.

Councillor Ghafoor, who represents Hollinwood, said in a statement: "On 21st May 2025, during Oldham Council’s Annual Council Meeting, Councillor Elaine Taylor used the chamber to make what I consider a politically motivated and defamatory attack.

"In her remarks, she inferred that I was a criminal rogue landlord in connection with a property on King Street.

"Let me say this clearly and without hesitation: that allegation is false.

"It is a calculated distortion of the truth, and I will not allow it to go unchallenged.

"The facts are these: the property in question has been under a commercial lease to Oldham Council since 2020 - long before I was elected.

"I did not rent the property directly to residents.

"The Council was entirely responsible for tenant placements, day-to-day management, and all maintenance obligations under the lease.

"When issues were brought to my attention, they were addressed promptly and within all legal timeframes.

"I have extensive evidence - including emails, WhatsApp messages, and statements from former Council officers - proving that the Council was aware of its responsibilities and failed to act due to internal staffing shortages and mismanagement.

"Let me be absolutely clear: I am being targeted because I stood for the leadership of the Council and have been holding Labour to account ever since.

"This is not about housing. This is about power.

"It is a smear campaign aimed at silencing me and destroying my reputation.

"I have now instructed my legal team to begin formal proceedings against Councillor Elaine Taylor and Oldham Council for defamation and misrepresentation.

"They will be held accountable for the damage they have caused - not just to my name, but to the standards of public office.

"I demand a full public retraction and apology from Councillor Taylor.

"If that is not received, I will pursue this matter through the courts.

"To those behind this: you will not intimidate me. You will not silence me. And you will not succeed.

"I will continue to expose mismanagement, challenge corruption, and fight for transparency - no matter how uncomfortable that may be for some.

"To the residents of Oldham: I’m here to serve you.

"I’ve earned your trust by standing up for what’s right - and I won’t stop now.

"This is my town, and I’m not backing down."

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