Standing ovation for McMahon

NEW MP: Jim McMahon

NEWLY-ELECTED Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon was given a standing ovation as he entered his last full council meeting as leader last night.

Councillor McMahon was elected MP for Oldham West and Royton in a by-election earlier this month following the death of his long-serving predecessor Michael Meacher. Council leader since 2011, Mr McMahon will stand down in the New Year

On entry to last night’s meeting, the chamber rose to welcome Mr McMahon, who will remain a Failsworth East councillor for a period yet to be decided.

Oldham Mayor Ateeque Ur-Rehman offered his congratulations to Mr McMahon at the start of the meeting.

Councillors Jean Stretton and Arooj Shah are expected to battle for the vacant council leadership.