Barker rejoins Tories

OLDHAM Conservatives are back up to five members on the council after Councillor Ian Barker rejoined the group.

He was originally elected as a Conservative councillor in Failsworth West in 2008 after taking the seat from Labour.

But Councillor Barker fell out with the Tories in March last year, after being investigated by police over inappropriate emails, and became an independent.

He was cleared of computer misuse but hit out at his treatment by Conservative group colleagues.

Councillor Barker had been suspended from the group while under investigation and was upset to have to reapply and be voted back in despite being cleared.

Councillor Barker said: “It is fantastic to be back where I belong, in the Conservative Party.

“I am now looking forward to working with the group and local party members in continuing the progress of the Conservatives across the borough.”

Group leader Councillor Jack Hulme said: “Councillor Barker has always been a dedicated and hard-working councillor, and it’s a pleasure for me to welcome him back to the group.”