Labour locked out of Cabinet

Tory Hulme joins nine Lib-Dems

Conservative councillor Jack Hulme joins nine Liberal Democrats on Oldham Council’s new coalition Cabinet announced today — but there is no place for Labour.

For the past two years, Labour councillor Dave Hibbert (pictured right) has taken up the opposition place on the Liberal Democrat-controlled Cabinet, which takes all the major political decisions.

But the May 6 elections left no party in overall control of the council, and both Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes and Labour’s Jim McMahon tried to form an administration.

When Councillor Sykes invited all parties to take part in a “Cabinet of all the Talents” Labour turned him down, but the Tories accepted.

Councillor Sykes said: “Having rejected that offer, I’m sure Labour would not want to take up an opposition seat on the Cabinet.”

The new line-up has 10 seats — in the past the Cabinet has only had nine — and the post holders have new streamlined roles, he added.

He said: “I am proud to announce a Cabinet which, uniquely for this borough, includes representatives from more than one political party.

“I have put together a Cabinet which utilises the talents of my own group and those of the Conservatives — a Cabinet which will ensure we put the best interests of our citizens first and a Cabinet committed to taking this borough forward.”

Councillor Sykes is leader and responsible for external relations and special projects. His deputy remains Jackie Stanton, who looks after adult services and links with the NHS.

The one Tory, Conservative leader Jack Hulme, takes over children and families, a post previously held by Kay Knox, who moves to a new role of leisure, culture, heritage and tourism services.

John McCann will look after regeneration and environment; Mark Alcock has citizens and neighbourhoods, which includes parks, recycling and the environment; and Lynne Thompson covers performance and value for public money, including the budget.

Brian Lord will look after corporate services and Rod Blyth covers community safety and public protection.

New member Mohammed Masud will take care of customer services.