A vote for our vision

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon: Oldham people have faith in Labour’s plans for the borough’s future

Lucy Kenderdine, Iram Ramzan, Robbie Gill, Ken Bennett and Richard Hooton

REGENERATION plans for Oldham got the public’s seal of approval as residents voted to continue with Labour’s vision for the town, says council leader Jim McMahon.

The Labour councillor claimed the party’s continued dominance of Oldham council chamber marked a vote of confidence in borough improvement plans.

After winning 16 of the 20 available seats, the party maintained a hefty majority in the council chamber.

Council leader McMahon, who held his seat in Failsworth East ward, said: “The people of Oldham have seen that we are making changes in the town. We are creating new jobs, growing the town and delivering results.

“People can see the work at the new leisure centres, and this time next year the new town centre cinema will be open. This vote shows people have got behind the regeneration plans and support them.”

Councillor McMahon said while he was “devastated” by Labour’s national results, local councillors would continue to fight for Oldham’s interests on a national scale.

“I didn’t expect to wake up to David Cameron preparing to form a Conservative majority government on Friday morning,” he said. “I am worried about how it will affect Oldham and the rest of the UK. But we will not let Oldham become a victim and we will stand up for our town.

“I think people have realised now that only Oldhamers can change the future of Oldham and that is why they have turned out to vote in support of our plans. Councillors will work across party lines to ensure we get the best for Oldham.”

He said Labour held back UKIP at the ballot box and ensured the party failed to win any seats, though it came second in 12 wards.

“Voters want to know about a party, their candidates and their policies, but some of their leaflets were direct personal attacks on myself, which I don’t think the public responded to.

“I think UKIP expected to do much better than they have, but the people of Oldham have said they don’t represent their views.”