Labour cling to power in Oldham by a single vote with the support of the two so-called Shaw and Crompton Independent councillors.

In a tense council meeting, Oldham Liberal Democrats put forward proposals for an alliance of opposition councillors including Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Oldham Group and Independents, which could have taken control of Oldham if the vote to remove Labour had been won. 

However, the Labour Leader of the Council clung on to power supported by the two Shaw and Crompton so-called Independents, said Councillor Howard Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham.

He added: “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.

Here is how the vote to remove the Labour leadership played out: 

FOR: 28

AGAINST: 29

ABSTAIN: 3

Labour’s 27 councillors were supported by councillors Mark Hince and Lisa Navesey, which was enough on the day to keep Labour in power. 

Councillor Sykes said, “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.”

Notes

People of Oldham crying out for change

Oldham Liberal Democrats hit back   – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Talks progress between opposition councillors ahead of tense annual council meeting

TALKS PROGRESS FOR A PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL TO RUN OLDHAM say Oldham Liberal Democrats – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Half Term Park Fun Days, Dunwood Park, High Crompton Park and others – 28 – 31 May.

Oldham Liberal Democrats respond to news that Yodel will close Shaw site

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has responded following emerging news that Yodel will close their Shaw site, leading to the loss of more than 370 jobs in the area and beyond.

Yodel was bought out by YDLGP Limited earlier this year and its new owners have taken the decision to close the Shaw site.  A 45-day statutory consultation period with employees will now begin, with staff being notified from today (20/05). 

Councillor Sykes said, “My first thoughts are with the staff and their families who are personally affected by this decision by Yodel.  This news will hardly come as a surprise, but it is still a disappointment for those affected.” 

It is understood that a very limited number of staff will be offered a transfer to Yodel’s Middleton depot.  Plans for the future development of housing on the Shaw site have been lodged and approved in outline with Oldham Council’s planning department for some time.  

Councillor Sykes said, “The loss of well-paid blue-collar jobs is hard to take for Shaw and Oldham.  We have done everything we can to urge Yodel to look after their local workforce, which they have assured me they are doing.  But job losses are difficult and painful.” 

“As a Shaw councillor and with the support of my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I have acted from day one to ensure that Oldham Council’s Economic and Regeneration Department were notified and to refer the situation to ‘Get Oldham Working’ for more help.  I have also updated the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as well as relevant officers at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Greater Manchester Growth Company who can also provide assistance.”

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on Yodel in Shaw
Shaw Liberal Democrats seek to save Shaw jobs after Yodel move – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

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)

World Bee Day 2024: Liberal Democrats call for tighter bans on pesticides

May 20^th is World Bee Day 2024 and fresh efforts are needed to protect British bees say Oldham Liberal Democrats.

According to the British Beekeepers Association, British Bees are at risk because the government have lifted bans on harmful pesticides such as thiamethoxam and other neonicotinoids.  The UK government have lifted a ban on these substances which can currently be used on crops despite the fact that a single teaspoon of these pesticides can deliver a fatal dose to as many as 1.25 billion bees.

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “We want to see tighter bans on pesticides to protect bees.  The government must reinstate the bans that were in place for the most harmful substances.  Those pesticides were taken out of use for a good reason.”

To mark World Bee Day 2024, people are encouraged to plant flowers and shrubs that help bees and other pollinators thrive in the UK. 

According to the World Bee Day UK website, the best plants to go for are Lavender, Oregano, Borage Blue and Rhododendron.     

More from councillor Sykes on protecting bees and pollinators
Bees under threat: Liberal Democrats call for pesticide ban – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Tour of Britain – Sunday 9 June.

The Borough is set to take part in the Tour of Britain Women 2024, which will see the world’s top female riders and teams go head-to-head across four tough stages of a cycling race.

Oldham is set to host the fourth stage of the race on Sunday 9 June, in what will be the first major international stage race delivered by British Cycling Events.

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to show support of the event and cheer on the cyclists as they cycle through Failsworth, Oldham, Saddleworth and Shaw.

Stage 4 Greater Mancheter v11 on gpx2kml.com – Free online gpx to kml converter

17 May 24 – International Day.

OCL 28 – 31 May Half Term Park Fun Days, Dunwood Park, High Crompton Park and others.

Youth Centre – Shaw and Crompton.

Yuvanis Foundation · Eequ

Grant available for energy efficiency projects

Small and medium-sized businesses in Greater Manchester can get an Energy Efficiency Grant.

It gives £5,000 (before VAT) to cover 50% of the cost of making energy-saving improvements. The grants are limited and given out on a first-come-first-served basis.

You can use the grant for things like upgrading heating equipment, replacing motors or drives, and making processes more efficient.

If you’re a small or medium-sized business in Greater Manchester, you can apply. They’ll check if your project will save CO2 and meet other criteria. Apply for the grant here