New Labour

New elected council members are sworn in — (l-r) Jean Stretton, Barbara Dawson, Phil Harrison, Cllr Jim McArdle (Mayor), Barbara Brownridge, Yasmin Toor, Abdul Malik.

SIX new Labour councillors began or resurrected their political careers last night after they were sworn in by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle.

For some — Jean Stretton, Barbara Dawson and Phil Harrison — it was a return to the chamber as they have been councillors before, while Abdul Malik, Yasmin Toor and Barbara Brownridge are all new to their roles.

Former Labour councillors John Battye and Hugh McDonald, who also regained seats on the council at last Thursday’s election, were on holiday when the photograph was taken.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats are now tied with 27 councillors each on Oldham Council, the Tories have five seats and there is one independent.