Hibbert’s hat in ring for leader role

WEALTH of experience . . . that’s Councillor Dave Hibbert

THE search for the next leader of Oldham Council has taken an unexpected twist with the addition of long-standing councillor Dave Hibbert to the list of candidates.

Last week itwas believed Oldham would get its first female council leader, as the only two councillors in the ring were Jean Stretton and Arooj Shah. The position will become vacant next month when newly-elected MP for Oldham West and Royton Jim McMahon stands down as leader.

Towards the end of last week Councillor Hibbert contacted Labour councillors to declare his interest in standing and to ask for their support. There is still time for other Labour councillors to declare an interest. Oldham’s Labour Party Group is expected to vote at an election in the New Year.

Councillor Hibbert, who has not commented, has a wealth of experience, having been a councillor for Chadderton South ward for more than 20 years. He is up for election in May and is the current cabinet member for housing, planning and transport.

He is also very well-known for working with Chadderton residents over his many years as councillor.

A proud active trade unionist, Councillor Hibbert is now retired but is a school governor at Yew Tree Primary School and is on several Greater Manchester committees.