SHAW councillors are being blamed for the failure of an attempt to oust Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah.
An alliance of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, The Oldham Group and Independents, which was described as one ‘that can unite our borough’ made their play to install Howard Sykes at the top.
However, it failed by one vote as 28 representatives voted for and 29 against, with three abstentions at a meeting of Oldham Council on Wednesday, May 22.
And Cllr Sykes is in no doubt where responsibility for that narrow defeat lies – Shaw and Crompton Independents and ward colleagues Cllrs Marc Hince and Lisa Navesey.
He said: “It is disappointing that despite the fact that the Labour Party have lost overall control of the council, so-called Independent councillors joined forces with them to keep Labour in power.
“Our plan brought together the opposition groups who supported agreed policies including calling for a public inquiry into historic child sex exploitation, saving Oldham Coliseum Theatre, protecting Oldham’s greenbelt, and cleaning up Oldham’s parks and public spaces.
“All of that is now at risk because Labour has clung on to power with the backing of the two so-called Independents from Shaw and Crompton.
“An alternative to Labour was possible. The Liberal Democrats did absolutely everything within our power to make that alternative a reality.
“But Labour’s offer of grace and favour positions within the Council was clearly too much for some so-called Independent councillors to resist.
“As Opposition councillors, the Liberal Democrats will continue to hold the Labour Party to account, as well as the so-called Independent councillors who now support them.
“We look forward to championing the issues that our residents care about and working hard for change.”
Cllr Hince defended his move, saying: “I started my political journey not as a member of any party but simply to try and deliver better outcomes for my community.
“I’ve been privileged and honoured to have been given a mandate by the people of Shaw to act as a true independent and my belief was Oldham’s Labour leadership was uncontrollable.
“It didn’t answer to the people in Oldham and it’s made continued mistakes. However, I’m mindful of the options available to us as a chamber.
“We can either enter into a future where the Labour leadership is held accountable by true independents, or we can pass over the reins to this hotch-potch of an alliance.
“An alliance which has deliberately marginalised true independents, not to be part of the decision-making process but to be on committees and bought off.
“Better sometimes the devil you do than the devil you don’t.”
After narrowly holding on to her role, Cllr Shah – with boos echoing around the chamber – vowed things will change.
She said: “I’m proud the residents and electorate of Oldham, my home town, have extended their continued trust and support for Labour to represent them as the largest party on this council.
“This is a democracy and the people spoke. We do, however, still hold by far the largest number of seats – three times more than the Liberal Democrats or the Conservatives.
“Things will have to change, though. Things will have to be done differently. After what seemed like years of bickering and squabbling, consensus will now be the new watchword for Oldham Council.
“I recognise we will have to work differently, every elected member will. We’ll have to listen more, seek out opportunities to support and deliver meaningful change and we’ll have to renew our efforts to reach out to all Oldhamers.
“It’s time for grown-up politics, rather than petty party point scoring. This is what the people of Oldham want.
“But individuals have made it very clear that co-operation for the good of the borough does not mean a lack of them holding this administration to account – that’s only right and proper.”