Kirkham makes Labour switch

NICOLA KIRKHAM

OLDHAM'S first female independent elected councillor has joined the Labour Party, the Chronicle can confirm.

Nicola Kirkham (43) cited issues with shamed councillor Mike Buckley at Saddleworth parish level influencing her decision to leave the Independents.

She was elected a borough councillor for Saddleworth North over two years ago, ousting veteran Liberal Democrat councillor Alan Roughley with a majority of over 470 votes, and is expected to move across the chamber to join her new colleagues at next week's full council meeting.

And locally, Councillor Kirkham will sit with the two Labour members on Saddleworth Parish Council.

When she was first elected to the borough council she said: "I may be only one voice but I will be heard."

In an exclusive interview with The Chronicle, she said: "I have been thinking of joining Labour for a long time.

"It's a massive weight off my shoulders," confessed the woman who was thought to be the first woman independent to be elected since the formation of the council itself. "I first got involved in local politics because I wanted to represent the people of Saddleworth," she said.

"I stood as an Independent firstly for the Saddleworth Parish Council and then for Saddleworth North at borough level because I thought at the time this would be the best way to help my community.

"It has become clear working as an independent on Oldham Council does not help me do the best for my community I serve in Saddleworth North.

"This has been made worse by the controversy surrounding Independent parish councillor Mike Buckley and his refusal to do the decent thing and resign from the parish council.

"So far in my time on Oldham Council, I have seen how the Labour Group is working hard to make Oldham as a borough a better place to live for everyone.

"This includes the fantastic regeneration of the old town hall in Oldham town centre.

"Despite me being elected as an independent councillor, I feel I can get more done as a Labour councillor in Saddleworth North.

"My main priority is to support the residents of Saddleworth North and do the best job I can for them.

"Oldham Council's Labour Group have been very supportive of the work I carry out in my ward and I feel being part of the Labour group will be beneficial to my ward work."

Councillor Kirkham was born in Denshaw but raised in Delph by parents whose family stretch back four generations.

The local cub mistress and empassioned local champion helped spearhead a campaign to save the landmark Delph Club which was later sold at auction for private development and obtain two defibrillators for the village.

She has been involved in three walk-outs at parish council over Councillor Buckley attending meetings.

Councillor Buckley refused to resign from Saddleworth Parish Council after being found guilty of downloading indecent images of naked boys on his computer.

A spokesman for the Oldham Labour Group said: "Councillor Kirkham is well known in the community where she lives.

"As a councillor she has worked hard to support the people she represents.

"She will be a welcome addition to the Oldham Labour Group."