Sykes on party panel

COUNCILLOR SYKES joins other panel members on the conference platform

Oldham Council’s work to help beat the recession has been on the agenda at the Liberal Democrat’s Bournemouth conference.

Council leader Howard Sykes joined Vince Cable, the party’s Shadow Chancellor, on stage for a question-and-answer session on the economy.

Councillor Sykes appeared on the panel on Tuesday to talk about his leading role in Oldham Council’s work to help local people through the recession including the so-called “War Cabinet” — set up in May, backed by a Rapid Intervention Fund of £400,000.

Councillor Sykes also answered questions on how the council has slimmed down its management structure.

Mr Cable is credited with predicting the housing and banking crises when other parties were still in denial.