Oldham's First Asian Honorary Freeman Dr Zahid Chauhan Appointed
Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE has been appointed as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Oldham, the highest civic honour the council can bestow. The ceremony took place on Saturday at 11am in the Council Chamber, attended by Mayor of Oldham Councillor Eddie Moores, Deputy Mayor Councillor Brian Hobin, Chief Executive Shelley Kipling, and Monitoring Officer Alex Bougatef. Dr Chauhan, who has served as a councillor for Alexandra ward since 2013 and was Mayor from 2023 to 2025, becomes the 28th person and first Asian person to receive this honour in Oldham's history. The appointment recognises his exceptional service to the borough, including his work as a practising GP, leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, and founding Homeless Friendly in 2017 to support people experiencing homelessness.