Oldham is gearing up for a landmark local election on May 7, with a record-breaking 127 candidates standing across the borough’s 20 wards. This election marks a significant shift, as Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and the Green Party are all fielding candidates in every ward for the first time, promising a diverse and highly competitive race.

Currently, Oldham Council is led by Labour, which holds 27 out of 60 seats. After losing its outright majority in the last local elections, Labour formed a coalition with independent councillors to stay in power, surviving two no-confidence votes against leader Councillor Arooj Shah. The opposition is made up of the Liberal Democrats and the Oldham Group Party, each with nine councillors, alongside six Conservatives, three from Reform UK, and six independents from local groups including the Failsworth Independent Party and Royton Independents.

In the upcoming vote, three wards—Alexandra, Crompton, and Waterhead—will see seven candidates each, while most other wards have five or six candidates vying for election. The candidate list includes 13 Conservatives, eight from the Oldham Group Party (with one endorsed by George Galloway’s Workers Party), and 13 independents. Smaller parties like Independent Northern Heart, the National Housing Party, and the Failsworth Independent Party are also contesting seats.

Among the candidates announced so far are Anne Taylor standing for Independent Northern Heart, Neil Hindle and Natalie Parren for the Failsworth Independent Party, John Lawrence for the National Housing Party Oldham People First, and Rangzib Nazir for the Workers Party/Oldham Group Party. These candidates represent a broad spectrum of political views, from local-focused independents to groups with national ties.

Voters in Oldham will have the opportunity to choose their local councillors on May 7. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. To participate, residents must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday, April 20. The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday, April 21.

This election is particularly important for Oldham, as it will determine the composition of the council for the coming year. With a record number of candidates and all major parties contesting every ward, voters have an unprecedented opportunity to influence local policies and priorities. The results could shift the balance of power in the council, affecting decisions on housing, transport, and public services in the borough.

For more details on candidates in your ward, visit the Oldham Council website. Make sure your voice is heard by registering to vote before the deadlines.