Oldham Liberal Democrats hit back
The people of Oldham are crying out for change and a fresh start for the Borough, says Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Liberal Democrat Leader at Oldham Borough Council.
He spoke after the Leader of Oldham’s Labour Group issued a letter staking her claim to continue as Leader of Oldham Council despite her party losing overall control of the Council at the recent local elections.
The letter called for non-Labour politicians to support her in her bid to stay on as Leader whilst also attacking other political parties and none for seeking to work together.
Councillor Sykes said: “It is hugely disappointing that Labour clearly do not accept what the people of Oldham are saying. They want change, and they want long-standing issues to be dealt with.”
The Liberal Democrat Leader added “I have been asked by other groups and individuals to try and build an alternative – a new partnership approach heralding a fresh start for Oldham. We can do this if there is a willingness to seize the opportunity.”
“The Labour Party clearly think they are entitled to run Oldham no matter what they electorate say or want.”
“The question for councillors who want change is, who do you trust to tackle the real priorities for the people of Oldham? We now have an opportunity to replace Labour in Oldham following their loss of control. Our residents and businesses deserve something better.”
A veteran of more than 35 years, councillor Sykes added, “The Liberal Democrats have been clear about the priorities from the outset, and we have repeated them often since the election.
“The priorities are the priorities the people of Oldham have told us they want and include: Call for a full public inquiry into historic child sexual abuse; Vote again on Oldham’s participation in ‘Places for Everyone’– Labour’s Greater Manchester-wide housing scheme; Save Oldham Coliseum Theatre at the Fairbottom site; A new partnership for Oldham Council will also work hard to fix the Council by getting the basics right and get tough on enviro-crimes like littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping.”
“Our policy commitments to the people of Oldham are clear and strong where Labour have been flimsy and weak. There isn’t even any mention from them about saving our greenbelt land.”
“It is time for a change and time for politicians who oppose the defeated Labour administration and to work together in a common cause.”
“It is time for others to step up, or else we will be stuck with the same old problems under Labour. All councillors who want that brighter future for Oldham Borough need to turn up to the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday (22 May), and vote Labour out and then vote for the alternative. Doing anything else like sitting on their hands or even missing the meeting ensures Labour continue to run Oldham Borough and they will clearly be to blame if that is the outcome.”
More from councillor Sykes on Oldham Council moving into ‘No Overall Control’
TALKS PROGRESS FOR A PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL TO RUN OLDHAM say Oldham Liberal Democrats – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)
Are the 2 independent councillors still independent or are they now Labour councillors?
How can they defect to Labour if they aren’t elected by the electorate. Lisa won her seat by gaining votes for being an independent looking and proclaiming for a change in government. She has gained a seat with Labour dishonestly. There are rumours going around that she has also received payment.
They say so!
They have not ‘defected’ they say but have just taken jobs/roles in the Labour Administration. For these roles a special responsibility allowance is payable.