Alma in the hot seat after solo rebellion

New chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council councillor Alma McInnes with outgoing chairman councillor Pat Lord

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A COUNCILLOR made a stand against the appointment of two top officials at Saddleworth parish council’s annual meeting last night.

But Ken Hulme’s solo vote was overwhelmed by a majority in favour of Councillor Alma McInnes’s taking over as new chairman and councillor Keith Begley being appointed vice chairman.

After the meeting, Councillor Hulme said: “This is too much of a party political deal. Parish councillors should not be part of party politics — they should be individuals.”

Councillor Hulme, who has served for six years on the parish council, added: “It is nothing to do with a woman being appointed. As with a Mayor’s job, it should be based on seniority and length of service — not a political gift.

“The parish council is not looking for consensus and, if they don’t want to talk to me, then they shouldn’t expect my support.”

In her inaugural speech, Councillor McInnes, who was chairman of the parish council three years ago, took at sideswipe at the Government’s expenses scandal.

“Our 20 parish councillors perform their duties without pecuniary rewards, without expenses, without attendance allowances — and without £26,000 towards the cost of a second home,” she said. “Instead they chose to be here just to represent the community.”

Thanking fellow councillors, Tony Marlor, the council clerk, administrative staff, and family and friends for their support, she said: “I am grateful and honoured for the trust placed in me”.

She would give active support to the charity committee and will focus on Macmillan Cancer Support and Myasthenia Gravis, an auto-immune disease.

And she urged the public to support events which include an Ascot Lunch at the Old Bell, Delph, on Thursday, June 18 and a concert by Sing for Pleasure and Oldham Music Centre Brass Band at the civic hall on Sunday June 21, which children from Chernobyl will attend.

Outgoing chair, councillor Pat Lord, said donations during her year have gone to Oldham Hospital League of Friends and Macmillan Cancer Support and other charities and her final charity fund-raising figure will be between £14,500-£15,000.

John Hudson, criticised some fellow parish councillors who did not attend the meeting. “I am very disappointed,” he said. “Standards have gone.”

Councillor McInnes (71) was born in Glodwick and is married with two children. She was the parish council chairman’s lady when her husband, Ian, was appointed in 1983-84.

Her own political career started in 2003, representing Uppermill, where she now lives. She has a long history of supporting charities and is an active member of the Methodist Church in Saddleworth, secretary of the Saddleworth and Lees Safety Committee and sits on the local Area Committee. Her Civic Sunday procession and service is on June 11 at Uppermill Methodist Church at 3pm.