Clash between Oldham politicians over Muslim cemetery dispute

A bitter political row has erupted between Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah and The Oldham Group's Kamran Ghafoor over plans for a Muslim cemetery, with both sides trading barbs on TikTok just weeks before the local elections.

The dispute centres on a 2023 proposal by Ghafoor, then a Conservative councillor, for a standalone Muslim cemetery that was voted down by 19 Muslim Labour councillors. Ghafoor claims Oldham's growing Muslim population of 60,000 needs dedicated burial space, while Shah says the council has confirmed burial capacity for the next seven years.

The row intensified when Ghafoor filmed a video at a cemetery to promote The Oldham Group's policy, prompting Shah to accuse him of using a sacred space for political messaging. Ghafoor has since defended his actions, saying the disagreement represents a fundamental policy difference rather than a personal spat.

With the local elections approaching on May 7, the cemetery debate has become a flashpoint in the campaign, highlighting tensions over religious accommodation and community needs in Oldham. Neither the Liberal Democrats nor Conservatives have commented on the dispute.