Judge deselection ‘not nepotism’

Bernard Judge

The man chosen to stand in place of deselected Royton North councillor Bernard Judge has quashed calls of nepotism and paid tribute to his predecessor.

The Chronicle reported last month how the councillor of 30 years and former Mayor of Oldham Mr Judge was deselected by the Royton North Labour Party ahead of May’s local elections.

Critics raised the question of James Larkin’s selection being down to nepotism – his father Tony is a councillor in the same ward.

But James hit back: “There were 17 people eligible to vote, five of whom I am related to and are active in the branch. I hope that puts the nepotism to bed. I was asked to stand by one of the branch members, as there was a feeling it was time for a change. I was subsequently nominated and selected.”

A popular figure in his ward and throughout the town, Councillor Judge was regularly seen on his beloved motor scooter.

“I would like to pay tribute to Bernard,” added James. “As someone who has grown up campaigning and working to return Labour councillors in Royton and across the borough, I have learned a lot from Bernard and hope to continue his good work.”

Tony Larkin said: “Many members of the branch felt we needed a change and there is a need to bring on the next generation. The overwhelming majority of active branch members decided this.”