Arooj Shah: "historic" appointment as three women in top council roles

Arooj Shah says the town of Oldham and its people remain her top priority as she gears up for her ‘historic’ appointment as the town’s council leader.

Councillor Shah will have her appointment confirmed on May 19, after which she hopes to encourage more women to aspire to such senior roles in local politics.

Cllr Shah told the Chronicle: “It is so symbolic as to how far we’ve come – it’s a historic moment and I think it’s something that people should celebrate.

“Diversity is something we should celebrate in Oldham, and we do.

“It is a positive story for Oldham.

“We’ve now got three women now leading the town (Deputy Leader Cllr Amanda Chadderton and Chief Executive Dr Carolyn Wilkins OBE) to a better place and I think that’s something to be really proud of.

“Aside from being the first Muslim woman in this position, first and foremost I am an Oldhamer.

“It is a huge honour to represent my town, but I want to be there for all Oldhamers and I want to lead a council that puts the needs of Oldhamers before anything else.

“And yes, the diversity element of my appointment is so powerful, and I do want to be the leader that will encourage more women to get involved in local politics and help us all.”

It’s not been an easy road to the top of local politics for Cllr Shah.

During her time on the council, Glodwick-born and raised Cllr Shah has been outspoken about the misogyny and racism she says she has experienced as an Asian female councillor, as well as issues of deprivation in Oldham’s communities.

In January 2020, Cllr Shah made an emotional speech in the council chamber, where she directly addressed some of the abuse and false accusations that had been made against her in an online campaign.

She chose not to reflect at length on some of those issues now, but did add: “There’s no denying that personal abuse and hostility I’ve seen online is really hurtful for me, my friends, my family, for everybody.

“But I’m not here to focus on that.

“I’m here to focus on the tasks ahead – namely putting the needs of all Oldhamers above everything else.

“One of my priorities, however, is to achieve political peace across Oldham and that’s something I’m committed to doing.”

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