Oldham choose new Conservative leader after two depart within two months
The Oldham Conservative group has elected Councillor Max Woodvine as their new leader after two previous leaders resigned within two months. Woodvine aims to focus on issues like saving the Green Belt, a public inquiry into CSE, and freezing council tax while opposing the Labour administration. The group now has five members after three councillors quit the party this year.
Max Woodvine has been elected leader of Oldham’s Conservative group just hours after Dave Arnott’s resignation, making him the third person to hold the position in as many months.
The 23-year-old Saddleworth South councillor takes charge of a group that has dwindled to just five members following the departure of three councillors from the party this year. Woodvine’s election came after Arnott stepped down just over a week into the role.
“I have been a strong Conservative voice on Oldham Council so I am proud to be chosen by the Group and I look forward to representing their views and interests at the Council,” Woodvine said in a statement. “My intention is to move our Conservative Group forward in a positive manner and see that we continue to act as an effective opposition to the Labour Administration in Oldham.”
The new leader outlined his priorities as saving the Green Belt, launching a public inquiry into child sexual exploitation, freezing council tax, and continuing to challenge Oldham Council. The group’s turmoil began when Graham Sheldon left the Conservatives in January after 13 years, following a December confrontation with a fellow member at the Civic Centre. Arnott and Christine Adams then quit the party last week, with Arnott telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service he wanted to “step away from the politics” and focus on “what residents actually care about - potholes, bins and fly-tipping.” All three former Conservatives now serve as independent councillors.
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