Five prepare to fight Failsworth by-election

Jim McMahon... stepped down as a councillor

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THE candidates standing in next month's Failsworth East by-election have been revealed.

Nominations for those intending to stand for the Oldham Council seat closed at 4pm on Friday.

Five candidates will be standing in the by-election, which will be held on Thursday, February 16, between 7am and 10pm.

Standing for Labour is Paul Jean Jacques, with Antony Cahill representing the Conservative Party, current Shaw and Crompton Parish Councillor Shaun Duffy representing the Lib Dems, Nicholas Godleman for UKIP and Andy Hunter-Rossall as the Green Party Candidate.

The ward seat became vacant following the decision of Jim McMahon to stand down from his position as a councillor in Failsworth East to concentrate on his role as MP for Oldham West and Royton.

Mr McMahon was first elected as a councillor in 2003, aged just 23, and has held the post for 13 years.

In 2011 he went on to become the youngest council leader in the country at the age of 30.

Following the death of Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher in October, 2015, Mr McMahon stood in the resulting by-election and won.

Most recently the Labour MP has been promoted to act as shadow minister for local government and devolution.

Applications to vote by post must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, February 1.

The deadline for applications to appoint a proxy voter is 5pm on Wednesday, February 8.

Councillors currently holding seats in Failsworth East are Norman Briggs and Cherryl Brock, both Labour.

To view the Notice of Election and further information visit www.oldham.gov.uk/elections