My politics would make a difference says Vance

I WOULD get the best for Oldham residents . . . Vance Miller

OLDHAM COUNCIL MEETING

VANCE Miller had his first taste of local politics when he attended last night’s meeting — but the controversial businessman left less than impressed and vowed that his own brand of politics would make a real difference to Oldham residents.

The kitchen trader, who is set to sue Oldham Council for damaging his reputation after their case involving his Hathershaw-based firm was thrown out of court, sat in during the meeting to see how council matters were run.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Miller said: “I came to see exactly what they talked about in this place and discovered that nothing to do with Oldham featured.

“They passed motions but didn’t talk about facts.

“They raised issues about alcohol-related crime being down 27 per cent down in Yorkshire Street but no one bothered to see if businesses are down.

“Then one councillor said he saw 10 drunk yobs on the streets. They just talked and didn’t resolve any issues.

“Politicians need to address why young people are drinking and sort it out, get right to the heart of the problem and deal with it. They haven’t got a clue in there.”

When asked whether he was considering stepping into politics, Mr Miller said it was something he would consider in the future but did not have the time as he was busy running his business.

He admitted that he was aware of a Facebook campaign to get him elected as the Mayor of Oldham.

And he was adamant he would get the best for Oldham residents if voted in.

Mr Miller, from Ramsbottom, said: “I came tonight because I wanted to see the people who get £100m every year. But you don’t see the result of it.

“This is the only town in the country where people say it is a s***hole. There is nothing here.

“I can make the people happy with all that money, we want a hospital that works, police force that works, roads which aren’t potholed, parks, something for the old folks. I would want to get to the position of MP, to get the best for the most people.

“The only people who won’t vote for me are the people who are trying to keep things as they are.”

“The people at the top need to have their feet on the ground, but at the council meeting, I didn’t see people who have ever had their feet on the ground.”

The controversial figure is set to feature in an episode of the BBC One consumer show “Rogue Traders” on Wednesday which he said would cost his kitchen business £1m and see turnover cut by half in the month that followed.


Wrong time and place for trial questions

QUESTIONS about the collapsed Vance Miller trail, which was taken to court by Oldham Council’s Trading Standards department but thrown out after 17 weeks, were raised during the meeting.

Since the trial collapsed, which could cost Oldham taxpayers £5m, an independent inquiry has been launched.

Opposition leader Councillor Jim Mc Mahon and Councillor Steven Bashforth asked a series of questions to council leader Howard Sykes, including who approved the course of action taken and whether the council was fully covered for any claims.

He also asked how Oldhamers could have confidence in an investigation when its terms of reference were agreed behind closed doors.

Councillor Sykes said it was vital that the review stayed free from political involvement so it would be inappropriate for councillors to examine the terms of reference.

He said the council had appropriate insurance and council chief executive Charlie Parker would brief group leaders in relation to matters.