Jim is nation’s top council leader

TOP MAN: council leader Jim McMahon

OLDHAM Council chief Jim McMahon has been named Council Leader of the Year.

He received the award last night at a local government gathering in London celebrating some of the best work done by councillors across the country.

The annual Councillor Achievement Awards championed the strong leadership and direction Councillor McMahon has brought to the borough since taking on the role in 2011.

The Labour leader said: “It is an honour. I am very surprised that people involved in Oldham have taken the trouble to make the nomination. As humbling as this award is, it is recognition for the outstanding co-operative and partnership work taking place in Oldham, of which I am one part.

“Oldham is very much at a tipping point and it would all not be possible without the collective support and action from residents, local businesses, the voluntary and community sector, council staff and councillors.”

The awards recognise councillors who go over and above what is expected of them to make a difference to their communities.

Councillor McMahon was chosen by a panel of judges made up of councillors and local government experts, who praised him for his strong leadership, improvement in services delivery and for ushering in a “remarkable transformation” that has made Oldham an “ambitious and effective council’.

Councillor McMahon became one of the youngest council leaders in the country when he took control of Oldham Council at 30 in 2011 after spending three years as leader of the opposition.

Norman Stoller CBE, chair of the Stoller Charitable Trust and Freeman of the Borough, said of him: “At a time of great challenge Jim has demonstrated amazing vision, determination, great negotiation skills and an ability to gain the support both of his council colleagues and the backing of those who live and work in Oldham.”