Trio of Oldham Conservative councillors quit shadow cabinet positions

Councillor Beth Sharp has resigned her position as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group on Oldham Council

The Conservative Group on Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council has been shocked by the resignation of THREE of their councillors from shadow cabinet roles.

St James Conservative Councillor Beth Sharp resigned her position as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group on Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council yesterday (Monday), and her shadow cabinet post.

She was then joined by councillors Dave Arnott (Royton North) and Robert Barnes (Chadderton South), who both also gave up their shadow cabinet positions.

Cllr Arnott said: “We have made difficult personal decisions to stand down from these roles on the council, but to be clear, we have not resigned as elected councillors and we have not resigned from the Conservative opposition group, which will continue to hold the Labour run council to account exactly as before.

“Following a number of recent events, discussions and press briefings, we have decided that it is not appropriate to continue representing the Conservative group as shadow cabinet members, and in the case of Councillor Sharp, also as Deputy Leader."

Councillor Graham Sheldon (Saddleworth South ward) remains in his position as Leader of the Conservative Group on Oldham Council.

The Chronicle has requested comment from Cllr Sheldon.

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