Oldham’s local elections are set for a dramatic change this year, with a record number of candidates and parties vying for seats on May 7. This means residents will have more choice than ever before when they head to the polls.

For the first time in many areas, including across much of Greater Manchester, voters will choose from multiple new options. In Oldham, both Reform UK and the Green Party are standing candidates in all 20 wards, a significant leap from the 2024 local elections when only two Reform and eight Green candidates stood across the borough. Some residents may have up to seven candidates on their ballot papers.

This pattern is reflected across the region, with Rochdale seeing a jump from 92 candidates in 2024 to 120 this year. The trend indicates a fragmentation of the traditional two-party system, with former fringe parties now rooted in local communities.

Rachel Millward, deputy leader of the Green Party, described the development as remarkable. “The two‑party system that has dominated Westminster for generations has collapsed,” she said, adding that the Greens are fielding more candidates than ever before. Dan Barker, Reform’s Manor candidate for Trafford, said people were ‘sick of the mess’ left behind by mainstream parties.

Professor Andy Westwood from Manchester University’s Productivity Institute said this local change mirrors national trends. “This is local politics catching up with the fragmentation of politics at a national level,” he explained. “In some parts of Greater Manchester we’ve seen that gain pace at several rounds of local elections – places like Oldham, Rochdale, and Bolton, where you’ve seen hyperlocal parties standing and winning seats.” He noted that this could make predicting results much harder.

With more candidates splitting the vote, Professor Westwood noted that margins could be very tight. “For those who do go to the polls, their vote may well be more meaningful,” he said, especially given traditionally low local election turnout. Around a third of all councillors in Greater Manchester are up for election this year, meaning residents have a real opportunity to shape their local council.

This increased choice could lead to unexpected results, and Oldham residents should be aware that their vote could have a significant impact in determining local representation. Whether it’s for mainstream parties or newer contenders, every ballot cast could help decide who runs the borough.