Lib-Dems in Tory link-up

SHAKE on it . . . councillors Sykes and Hulme

Oldham to mirror No.10

OLDHAM is mirroring national politics with the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives signing a unique agreement to create a ruling coalition.

The local elections left no party with overall control of Oldham Council. The Lib-Dems and Labour tied on 27 seats, followed by the Tories on five and one Independent.

It left Labour and the Lib-Dems battling for control and after lengthy negotiations the Tories have agreed to jointly form an administration.

The decision to work together was endorsed unanimously by both political groups last night and means Lib-Dem councillor Howard Sykes continues as council leader.

He said: “The electorate have been clear in Oldham, as at national level, that they want politicians to put aside party differences and work together for the benefit of our borough and its citizens. A number of productive meetings have been held over the last week with Councillor Jack Hulme, leader of the Conservatives, on the possibility of a setting up a ‘Cabinet of all Talents’. I have to say also that it is regrettable that the Labour leader declined the invitation to participate.

“While this agreement is unique in the history of Oldham Council, I am reluctant to call it ground breaking or historic, I prefer to see it as a mature and practical response to the testing times in which we find ourselves. Clearly some of the finer detail has yet to be finalised but that will be the subject of further discussion.”

The agreement means that for the first time since the council was established the parties running the council have elected representatives in every district.

Councillor Sykes says this will allow it to fully represent the views of people across the entire borough and that nearly 60 per cent of all votes cast were for the two parties, giving the joint administration real democratic legitimacy.

Lib-Dem councillor Jackie Stanton remains deputy leader and Councillor Hulme will join the cabinet. The Tories will also take the chairmanship of the Planning Committee and a seat on the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.

Councillor Hulme said: “As councillors, we have a responsibility to ensure the council has strong, stable and effective leadership. My group and I believe the best way we can serve Oldham is to work with colleagues from the Liberal Democrats to ensure that the council can deliver real benefits to local people.

“We all recognise that in any partnership there will not be agreement on every issue. However, the productive discussions between our parties show that we all have the best interests of the borough at heart.”

Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon said he did not get involved in the talks because: “Over the last two years the Lib-Dem council have been calamitous and we have no desire to be involved with a failing administration.

“We put residents’ interests first. We thought it was best not to form a coalition but to form a new administration.”

He added: “We are disappointed that as the group with the largest share of the vote we have been blocked from forming an administration.

“In the context of the national situation it’s no surprise that the Lib-Dems and Tories have come together in Oldham.

“It’s our job now to act responsibly, put the interests of the borough first and not play party politics. We will do that and form an effective opposition.”

He predicted the national coalition will fail of its own accord and the local coalition will be kicked out by the electorate at the next election.

Independent councillor Ian Barker has confirmed he will be backing the Lib-Dems, saying: “I feel our town needs stability, especially at a time when our council is improving.”