A longstanding Oldham councillor and former Mayor has announced he will not stand for re-election when voters go to the polls again in 2027.
Coun Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE was first elected as a Labour councillor for the council ward of Alexandra in 2013. He is an NHS GP and the founder of the Homeless Friendly charity.
During his time as councillor, he served as Mayor for two years, was awarded Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Oldham, and recently campaigned on parking issues at the Royal Oldham Hospital. He has also previously served as the cabinet member overseeing health and social care.
In this role, Coun Chauhan said he was proud of making national history by launch a pop-up vaccination clinic for people experiencing homelessness. He also made sure two nurses Jean Purdy and Muriel Harris who had helped bring the first test-tube baby into the world were recognised after initially being overlooked.
After announcing he will be stepping down in May 2027, Coun Chauhan’s time as councillor will now end at the next set of local elections.
In a statement released on September 23, Coun Chauhan said: “After much reflection, I have decided not to seek selection for the next local election and will therefore step down as a councillor at the end of my term in May 2027.
“Since first being elected in 2013, it has been an extraordinary privilege to serve the people of Oldham. I have met so many wonderful people, shared both happy and difficult times with our communities and made friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
“Serving as Mayor of Oldham for two years was one of the greatest honours of my life and being appointed an Honorary Freeman of the Borough was something I was deeply humbled to receive.
“Following the death of my wife two years ago, my personal circumstances changed significantly. At this stage in my life, I have to recognise that I cannot give the role the time, energy and commitment that it deserves.
“I therefore believe it is right to give someone new the opportunity to come forward with fresh energy and continue serving our community. I am deeply grateful to residents, fellow councillors, council staff, friends and colleagues who have supported me over the years, particularly those who stood by me during some of the most difficult moments of my life.
“Your kindness and support will always stay with me.”
The Alexandra Ward covers Alexandra Park and areas of Oldham to the south east of the town centre. In 2023, Labour easily won the ward with all three councillors getting around 60% of the vote and Coun Chauhan receiving the most support.
However in 2024, councillor Zaheer Ali won the ward as an independent before later joining the newly formed Oldham Group. This year’s elections saw the Oldham Group’s Shabir Hussain win with around 43% of the vote leaving Coun Chauhan as the only Labour councillor left representing the area.
However Coun Chauhan said changing politics was not a factor in his decision to stand down citing respect locally for his work over 13 years. He said it was ‘important to bring in fresh blood, new people, new ideas, new energy to shape things and give people the opportunity to serve especially in towns like Oldham.
He told the LDRS: “I think it’s the time to move on. It’s a time to contribute in a different way. I am not walking from public life. I am not walking from serving people.”
The councillor said he would be focusing on his charity work and will still remain involved in Oldham’s Labour party but felt he can make more of a difference outside the council chamber. Pointing to the local authority’s inability to choose an administration to make decisions, he urged his colleagues to come to work together to find a resolution.
Voters will be going to the polls again in 2027, the results of which could determine the future direction of Oldham council.
