True loss to the borough

FORMER Oldham Mayor, Brian Mather

CROSS-party tributes and a minute’s silence were paid to former Oldham Mayor Brian Mather who lost his brave battle against stomach cancer.

Mr Mather served as a Lib-Dem councillor between 1984 and 2004.

Lib-Dem Councillor Christine Wheeler said: “Brian was a gentleman. He had the interests of the whole borough at heart.

“He was known as ‘Mr Nice’, which was well-deserved, but could get his point across very well and with great clarity.”

Tory Councillor John Hudson said: “He was an absolutely fantastic person.

“He worked extremely hard, knew what he was saying and respected your point of view.”

Labour Councillor David Jones said: “He was a very conscientious councillor.

“He is a true loss to the borough.”