Council accused of Miller case silence

BLAST . . . Councillor Akhtar

Leading Liberal Democrats have been accused of leaving a political vacuum after the collapse of the Vance Miller trial.

Oldham’s Labour opposition are deeply concerned about the lack of political leadership shown by council leader Howard Sykes and Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure.

Deputy Labour leader, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, said: “The people of Oldham have a right to know what the role of politicians was in this prosecution and who actually made the decision to take this case to court.

“Did the Liberal Democrat leadership have any role or not on this issue?”

Councillor Akhtar, who is also shadow Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, added: “There is a vacuum of silence over this case from the two senior politicians.

“These two are not camera-shy and neither do they shy away from saying a few words on any issue. There have been a number of press releases by Oldham Council over the last month or so and Councillor Alcock has been the face of a majority of them because they were positive news for Oldham.

“However, when it is bad news and being held to account Councillor Alcock is nowhere to be seen and neither are his colleagues.

“If the Liberal Democrats really are in control then the least they can do is apologise to the people of Oldham in the way this prosecution has been handled.”

The council’s chief executive, Charlie Parker, set up an independent inquiry after the collapse of the case and said the would be no official comment until it was completed.