We can work it out

Parties urged to put differences aside

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2010

WITH the future of Oldham Council hanging in the balance party leaders are being urged to put their political differences aside and create a so-called “Cabinet Of All Talents”.

Thursday’s local election — for which turnout was 61.1 per cent — saw the ruling Lib-Dems lose their position of power as Labour gained five places to give both parties 27 seats each.

With no group securing overall majority, Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes has invited Labour chief Jim McMahon and Tory party head Jack Hulme to meet for talks.

Councillor Sykes said: “The people of the borough cast their votes in large numbers and I believe the result gives a clear indication that they want to see the three parties work more closely together to ensure that the best interests of the borough are placed first ahead of party politics.

“At a time when the country is slowly emerging from a difficult and deep recession, we need to focus more than ever on putting the borough first. In the light of the local election results that give no one party a majority, I believe it is essential that we respond in positive fashion to the will of the people and to put party politics firmly in second place behind the needs of the borough.

“I am therefore proposing that the three party leaders sit down over the next few days in order to explore and discuss the potential to form an all-party Cabinet of all the talents, which would include representatives of all three political parties.

“I have today contacted Jim McMahon and Jack Hulme with a proposal to explore and discuss the potential to form a cross-party ‘Cabinet Of All Talents.’”

View all the results here