Police turn up at Oldham Council after explosive argument in chambers and ‘Nazi’ insults

Police officers turned up to an Oldham Council meeting after an ‘explosive’ argument between councillors of different political groups and the public.

The meeting was adjourned after a heated debate centred around the ‘controversial’ Places for Everyone housing scheme.

Tensions rose to the point that members of the public and councillors were hurling abuse at each other and the acting borough solicitor, including references to ‘dictators’ and ‘Nazi sympathisers’.

Oldham Mayor Zahid Chauhan called for an adjournment to the meeting – but the conflict didn’t end there.

A riot van and police cars were pictured outside the council building.

It is thought police had also been called out during the evening to a protest gathering outside.

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for clarification on whether the riot van was connected to the incident inside the chamber or the protest.

During the break an argument arose between the deputy of the Oldham Conservatives Lewis Quigg and the Conservative leader Graham Sheldon.

Coun Quigg could be heard saying ‘I quit this party. You no longer have any say over me’.

Sheldon approached him and both councillors could then be seen squaring up to each other, with Quigg seen pushing Sheldon.

The two men were separated by other Conservative councillors surrounding them.

The police were called over to the incident.

The meeting remained adjourned for an hour and 45 minutes, while officers took statements and political groups convened in private rooms to discuss how to move forward.

Once the meeting was resumed, councillors involved in the ‘aggressive behaviour’ shown throughout the meeting were asked to apologise.

But after Quigg refused to do so, the meeting was suspended.

Council leader Arooj Shah told the chamber: “Shame on all of us for allowing this behaviour to continue and grow and stand here to proclaim we represent the people of the borough and their best interest when we conduct ourselves like this.”

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for details.

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