Call for Rayner to conduct investigation into Oldham Council

Angela Rayner, the government’s new Secretary of State, has been asked to launch an investigation into the governance and leadership deadlock at Oldham Council.

The council has been without a leader, deputy leader, committee chairs and deputies since May when Councillor Pam Byrne became the town’s Mayor after she nominated herself for the role. The town remains without a deputy Mayor. 

The deadlock stems from May local elections where Labour lost multiple seats and Reform UK made major gains leaving no party with a majority, and despite repeated attempts in the council Chamber, parties have failed to agree on a coalition or minority administration. 

Now campaigning journalist Ken Bennett has written to Ms Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, expressing “serious concern” regarding the continuing leadership deadlock at the council. 

His letter said: "The council has reportedly failed on multiple occasions to appoint a Leader and key political office holders.  

“This prolonged inability to establish a functioning political administration raises significant concerns about the council’s capacity to provide effective governance, make timely decisions, and discharge its statutory duties. 

“I appreciate no single political party has an overall majority, and negotiation is an important part of local democracy. The current situation appears to have reached a point where the normal operation of the council is being compromised. Residents expect elected representatives to work together in the public interest and to ensure essential local services and democratic processes continue without unnecessary delay.” 

And Bennett, who has been a journalist for 70 years, requests the ministers department to: 

• Assess whether Oldham Council remains able to fulfil all of its statutory obligations. 

• Consider whether the current governance arrangements require independent review or intervention. 

• Determine whether any action under the powers available to the Secretary of State is appropriate to safeguard effective local government and protect the interests of Oldham residents. 

• Keep residents informed of any conclusions reached following such an assessment. 

He added: “This request is not intended to favour any political party or group. Rather, it reflects a concern local government should be capable of functioning effectively and maintaining public confidence. The letter was copied into Oldham Council’s CEO Shelley Kipling, Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth  and Oldham’s Mayor.” 

At the last Full Council meeting on July 15, councillors were once again unable to elect a Leader and Cabinet. 

As a result, the Borough Solicitor will issue a report under Section 5 of the Local Government Act 1989 as the continued inability to elect a Leader and form an administration is in contravention of the Local Government Act. 

This is a formal report to councillors on the implications and seriousness of the council acting unlawfully.  

A Full Council meeting will be held within 21 days to discuss the report and to seek a resolution that stops the council from acting unlawfully.   

If agreement still cannot be reached, the Borough Solicitor will write to the Secretary of State seeking intervention from central Government.   

While this situation continues, the Chief Executive will continue to oversee emergency decision-making processes to ensure the council can operate effectively and continue to deliver its responsibilities.  

This includes ensuring that key decisions, including those ordinarily taken by Cabinet Members, are properly considered and progressed.