McMahon targets Westminster role

OLDHAM Council leader Jim McMahon is in the running for a national role which would see him fight the corner for Labour councillors at Westminster.

Councillor McMahon is up for election as the Local Government Association’s Labour group leader.

The LGA is made up of four political groups — Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Independents, who work with councils to support and promote local government across England and Wales.

The role would involve Councillor McMahon liaising and networking with the Government and shadow teams. He said: “Labour in local government has seen the most aggressive attack from central government in living memory. Despite all this, local government has been working hard to drive positive change - the reason I stood for election.”

Ballot papers will be issued on June 9 and the results announced on July 1. If Councillor McMahon was to be elected, any new responsibilities wouldn’t affect his role as Oldham Council leader.