Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah announces her resignation as town hall head effective May 20, following a major setback for Labour in recent local elections. The borough leader highlights deepening divisions and slow progress on residents’ lives as key factors in her decision.
Election Results Shake Up Council
Labour now holds 18 seats, down significantly, while Reform UK surges to 16 seats after gaining 13. The Oldham Group adds two councillors but loses one to Reform. Liberals and Conservatives also face heavy losses amid a 47% voter turnout. Labour opts against coalitions, respecting the electorate’s clear message.
Shah Reflects on Devastating Outcome
“The results were devastating,” Coun Shah states. “We campaigned for a year and a half knowing the challenges ahead. Walking into the count, seeing the far right on one side and independents on the other, I realized my town has been overtaken by division. That struck me deeply.”
Despite remaining the largest group, she emphasizes the need to step back. “Residents have been convinced by Reform that Oldham is broken,” she adds. “Now it’s their turn to deliver the alternatives they promised on doorsteps.”
Coun Shah, St Mary’s representative and Oldham’s first Muslim woman council leader since 2021, returned to the role in 2023 after losing her seat in 2022. False narratives and populism fueled the shift, she believes. “When lives don’t improve quickly enough, resentment builds toward those in power. Populism appeals to those seeking faster change.”
Achievements Amid Challenges
Under her leadership, Oldham opens a new market, rescues the Oldham Coliseum theatre, and secures a multi-million-pound deal with developer Muse. Tough issues include a mass grave discovery at Royton Cemetery, resistance to a regional housing scheme, and demands for a national probe into historic child sexual exploitation.
“I love this town with a passion—born and bred here,” Coun Shah shares. “Stepping down feels like a personal loss. We had a five-to-10-year improvement plan and achieved much already. People on doorsteps believed in that vision.”
Leadership Stalemate and Project Fears
No group nears a majority, complicating minority administration formation. Reform rules out coalitions, raising stalemate risks and potential government intervention. Labour commits to opposition.
Uncertainty looms over key projects like the Eton Star Academy on Tommyfield Market and Muse’s town centre regeneration for 2,000 homes. “I’d be devastated if anyone unravels Eton Star or the Muse plans for political gain over opportunities for Oldham residents,” she warns.
“So much is at stake. I agonized over this for hours. I’m terrified about Oldham’s future, but democracy must be respected.” A leadership vote occurs at the full council meeting on May 20.
