McMahon is Labour candidate

Oldham West and Royton Tory candidate James Daly

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OLDHAM Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon was last night selected as Labour’s candidate for the Oldham West and Royton by-election.

It is understood Councillor McMahon received 62 per cent of the vote.

He defeated Mohammed Azam, Chris Williamson and Jane East to the candidacy.The by-election will be on December 3 and arises after the death of veteran Labour MP Michael Meacher.

A delighted Councillor McMahon said: “This is my home town and I will always be a strong voice for Chadderton, Hollinwood, Oldham and Royton.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted his congratulations, saying: “I look forward to campaigning with him.”

Councillor Zahid Chauhan, chair of Oldham West and Royton Constituency Labour Party said: “I am absolutely convinced Jim will be an effective, compassionate voice for ordinary people in Oldham.

“Jim is a local man who has served on the council for over 12 years. This gives him a unique perspective on the issues affecting our community.”

Mr Meacher held the seat with a majority of 14,738, taking a 54.8 per cent share of the vote, with UKIP second.


MEANWHILE James Daly has been selected as Conservative candidate for the by-election.

The 39-year-old criminal defence solicitor and Bury councillor has lived and worked in the North-West for 14 years.

“I intend to stand up for the hard-working people of Oldham West and Royton on the issues that matter to them,” he said.

Born in Huddersfield, Mr Daly is a governor of two schools and has a wife, Jo, and two young sons and is a rugby league and cricket fan.