McMahon stays Labour’s leader

JIM McMAHON

YOUTH and experience have teamed up to head the Labour group on Oldham Council.

Councillor Jim McMahon has been unanimously re-elected leader, following his appointment in May last year when he became the youngest member ever to head the group, at 27.

Councillor Peter Dean has stepped down as his deputy, to be replaced by Councillor Shoab Akhtar, the current Mayor.

Councillor McMahon said: “Shoab has stood out in his Mayoral year and has gained the confidence and support of the Labour group and the public of Oldham.

“It is right to use this opportunity to thank Peter Dean, as a friend and colleague, for the hard work and personal support offered to me in my first term as leader.”

Councillor Akhtar added: “I hope that I will be able to live up to the faith shown in me by my colleagues.”

The group broke with tradition and allowed Councillor McMahon to select his own team, rather than holding elections.

Councillor McMahon said: “I believe we have a strong team to take us towards a challenging election next year.

“Not only is the new team ideally suited to getting through the council business and holding the current administration to account, but I believe will we relate to the people of Oldham”.

The changes take effect after the annual council meeting tomorrow.

The new shadow Cabinet line up is: Jim McMahon (leader, external relations); Shoab Akhtar (deputy leader, environment and infrastructure); Abdul Jabbar (adult services and health); Ateeque Ur-Rehman (children, young people and families).

Bernard Judge, (community and housing); Glenys Butterworth (customer services and Unity Partnership); Peter Dean (finance and resources).

Jean Jones (people and communities); Joy Wrigglesworth (regeneration); Dave Hibbert (main Cabinet member without portfolio).