The days of giveaways are over — leader

Oldham Council
OLDHAM is at a tipping point, according to Oldham council’s new leader Jim McMahon, who promised action instead of talking to bring improvements to the town.

He said the new ruling Labour group had a big to do list, but commended the work of all parties who had acted in the past for the betterment of the borough.

He urged Oldham’s voters to demand a better borough, but warned: “The days of giveaways are over.”

He promised the ruling party would knuckle down and get its financial house in order.

Councillor McMahon said that with cuts of £41 million agreed and a further £51 million to come, short-term decisions and trimming were not enough.

He added: “We will need to change, adapt, and most importantly, listen.

“Oldham can be better tomorrow than it is today, but be under no illusions — it will be hard work at times, frustrating, and it will tax the best of us. But the prize for Oldham will be worth it.”




THE chairmen of district partnerships across the borough were elected: Councillor Graham Shuttleworth (Chadderton); Councillor Shadab Qumer (East Oldham); Councillor Glenys Butterworth (Failsworth and Hollinwood); Councillor Tony Larkin (Royton, Shaw and Crompton); Councillor Barbara Beeley (Saddleworth and Lees); Councillor Abdul Malik (West Oldham).