McMahon reveals Cabinet team

COUNCIL leader Jim McMahon has unveiled his new leadership team.

And familiar names return to the Cabinet line-up which has been cut from 10 to eight councillors.

This is to allow the appointment of four non-voting deputy Cabinet members at no extra cost, which Councillor McMahon said would provide support and give more people experience at senior level.

Cross-party Cabinet advisory boards will be set up for back-benchers.

As well as his role as leader, Councillor McMahon is responsible for external relations, Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and democracy.

Five previous Cabinet members also make a return — Shoab Akhtar (deputy leader; partnerships and commissioning); David Hibbert (housing, transport and regeneration); Phil Harrison (adult social services and health); Hugh McDonald (education and leisure) and Jean Stretton (neighbourhoods).

Barbara Dawson gets her first Cabinet portfolio with co-operatives and community development as does Abdul Jabbar with finance and human resources.

The deputy Cabinet members are: Barbara Brownridge (housing, transport and regeneration); Jenny Harrison (finance and human resources); John Battye (adult social services and health; and Bernard Judge (neighbourhoods).

Councillor McMahon said: “We have brought together a Cabinet with a real mix of talent, experience and passion to move Oldham forward.

“I am confident with this strong team in place we can set about the challenge of meeting financial pressures while investing in Oldham’s future, creating a co-operative council and devolving power and decision-making to neighbourhoods.”

The Liberal Democrats will meet tomorrow to choose their leader while the Conservative group will do the same on Saturday.