Ex-Mayor stands down from Oldham Council

A former Mayor of Oldham, described as a “unique character”, is stepping down as a borough councillor. 

Colourful John Hudson OBE, aged 81, from Greenfield, will not stand in next May’s elections.

He currently represents the Saddleworth South Ward.

Cllr Graham Sheldon will take over the leadership of the Conservative group on the borough council and at 19, Max Woodvine will lead Saddleworth Parish Council Conservatives in addition to standing in an election for a seat on the borough council which will be created by Cllr Hudson’s vacated ward seat.

However, Cllr Hudson will continue to serve as a Saddleworth parish councillor, representing Greenfield, Grasscroft, Lydgate and Friezland, until 2023.

Paying tribute to Councillor Hudson, Mr Sheldon said: “John has worked tirelessly over the years, helping each council chair with their efforts in fundraising for many charities.

"His organisational skills have been second to none.

“He’s also helped many Mayors of the borough in their fundraising events.”

Cllr Sheldon went on: “He has taken a keen interest in people, their family and friends, and to my amazement can remember all their names.

“John and his wife Kathleen enjoy walking and many days walk to Uppermill and Dobcross then back to Greenfield.

"This can take a number of hours as John and Kathleen will stop and have a chat with many other walkers.

“John has been the Chairman of the north west area Conservative clubs for many years, and until the pandemic attended regular meetings in London.”

Neil Allsopp, ex-parish councillor and former parish council chair, said: “While I fully understand his decision, I am saddened the time has finally come for John to step down.

“Oldham’s Council chamber will be much less colourful without his wit, straight talking and unique character.

“In both politics and life John has been a friend and source of sound advice, for which I am most grateful. 

“His knowledge of ‘the great and the good’ of Saddleworth and the events surrounding them is encyclopaedic.

"Over the years his sense of humour has left many a gathering in stitches. 

“Together with the late Dr. David Atherton their after dinner speeches were legendary - Saddleworth’s own Morecambe and Wise.

"They really were that good.

“Although John is stepping down from OMBC he’ll probably devote even more time to Saddleworth.

"Oldham Council’s loss will be Saddleworth’s gain.

"That's something to bring a smile to everyone’s face!”

Cllr Hudson has served as a borough councillor since the Millennium and was Mayor of Oldham in 2013-14.

He was awarded an OBE in the 2017 New Year Honour’s list for charitable and political service.

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