Oldham Council faces fresh political upheaval as an independent councillor announced plans to force a leadership challenge against Labour’s Arooj Shah.

Coun Kamran Ghafoor from The Oldham Group declared his intention to call a vote of no confidence in the council leader at the next full council meeting in May, urging the chamber’s 33 opposition members to unite and oust the current administration.

The challenge came during Wednesday’s council meeting on April 9, moments after Ghafoor welcomed former Conservative group leader Graham Sheldon into his fold. “This Labour administration has failed to deliver on its promises, and the borough has suffered - our streets are dirtier, services are weaker, and communities feel increasingly ignored,” Ghafoor told the chamber.

“There are 33 opposition councillors in this chamber. Collectively, we have the experience, the passion, and the mandate to serve our residents. At the May meeting, every councillor will face a clear choice: stand with Labour, or stand with the people of Oldham.”

Councillor Shah dismissed the threat, calling it “creepy” that she “lives rent free in his head” and questioning the alliance’s coherence given The Oldham Group’s Gaza stance versus Sheldon’s previous walkout during a Gaza motion. Ghafoor countered that his group “stands firmly with Gaza and always will.”

The political landscape has shifted significantly since last year’s failed rainbow alliance attempt, with three Conservatives becoming independents and Sheldon’s defection making The Oldham Group the joint largest opposition force. The council now comprises 27 Labour members, nine Oldham Group councillors, nine Lib Dems, five Conservatives and ten independents from smaller ward-specific groups.

---

Source: Read original article