New cabinet post to oversee coronavirus recovery

A new cabinet post has been created for a councillor who will be responsible for overseeing how Oldham recovers in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

Deputy council leader Arooj Shah, who was previously in charge of social justice and communities, has been given the portfolio of ‘COVID-19 recovery’.

Chiefs say they believe that she is one of the first local politicians in the country to hold such a role.

Her new responsibilities include working to ensure Oldham ‘builds back better’, tackling poverty and unemployment, community concerns and isolation.

“The way the council has responded to support residents during this crisis has been fantastic, and we’ve been boosted massively by the army of residents volunteering or helping their neighbours,” Coun Shah said.

“The next step is so important, rebuilding our businesses, giving our young people a great education, and making Oldham a great place to live.

“In my new role I’m looking forward to working with cabinet colleagues and our partners across the borough so we can all collaborate towards the same goal – a better Oldham.”

The introduction of the new post comes as the borough’s leader Sean Fielding carried out a reshuffle of his cabinet for 2020.

Coun Amanda Chadderton, who had been leading on children’s services will now be in charge of a new HR and corporate reform portfolio, overseeing the council’s delivery of services in new community hubs.

There are also some new arrivals to the cabinet front bench, including Chadderton Central Coun Eddie Moores who has been promoted to take on responsibility for children and young people.

Meanwhile Coun Ateeque Ur-Rehman, who had been the cabinet member for neighbourhoods and culture, will now take on the deputy role while Chadderton North Coun Barbara Brownridge will move into the top job.

Royton South Coun Steven Bashforth has been appointed as the chair of Miocare, and Werneth Coun Fida Hussain will be chairing the Unity Partnership.

Former council leader and Hollinwood ward Coun Jean Stretton has been made chair of the health and wellbeing board.

Coun Fielding said: “COVID-19 is the biggest challenge Oldham has faced in generations.

“It’s so important that we all pull together to build back better, and our new cabinet team will do just that.

“We can’t afford to simply step back and hope to minimise the damage.

“I’ve asked my cabinet to give a renewed focus to the actions we can take today that will make the lives of Oldham residents better over the long term.”

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