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Labour lose control of Oldham

Mike Keegan
2/ 5/2008

LABOUR lost Oldham Council to no overall control on a night of change in the town.

No fewer than eight red rose councillors lost their seats as the Oldham public embraced sweeping changes.

The Liberal Democrats are now the largest party picking up four wards to take their total to 30.

But it was also a successful night for the Conservatives who more than doubled their number of councillors from three to seven.

As yet it is unclear whether a power-sharing deal will be struck between the Lib Dems and the Tories.

Commenting on the night's events, Liberal leader Howard Sykes said he was "absolutely chuffed to bits".

He added: "I think what we have seen is a vote for change. Some people may have voted over national issues, but I would say Oldham is a town where local politics prevails, and that is the way it should be."

When asked about a potential power share he said: "We're going for a drink and a lie down. We'll think about it, but now there's 30 of us."

"We will not be telling them what to do."

Gains

"The Conservatives made some big gains as well. I think what that shows is that people are looking for alternatives to the Labour party and want change."

He also sent a message out to the electorate, "We'll listen to them".

Philip Rogers, current leader of the Conservatives, said the results were "beyond our wildest dreams".

He added: "It's absolutely superb and much more than I expected. The general mood within my party is very upbeat. We've gone from one councillor, not so long ago, to seven."

He poured cold water on talks of a power share and said: "While I am in charge that will not happen."

Labour leader David Jones admitted it had been a "disastrous night".

He said: "I think that it's clear that this has happened because of the Labour Government's unpopularity. Having said that, Labour have been here in the past and we'll fight back from this. That's the nature of politics."

Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth Phil Woolas was an interested onlooker. He too admitted it had not been "the best of nights". But he added: "This is not a sea change and this is not a disaster. We will be back from this."

The loudest cheers of the evening were reserved for Fida Hussain, a labour councillor recently acquitted of money laundering charges.

Romped

An army of fans raised the roof at the Queen Elizabeth Hall when he romped to victory in the Werneth ward.

A host of Labour cabinet members lost out on what many saw as a disastrous night for the party.

The defeat of Hugh McDonald in Alexandra ward was greeted with disbelief by many within the party.

Fellow former cabinet member Dave Hibbert, who held his seat, said: "To lose somebody with as much experience as Hugh, who is a tremendous councillor, is staggering."

Deputy leader John Johnson was another shock Labour casualty. His Failsworth West ward turned blue in a close fought contest. Mr Johnson polled 871 votes but was defeated by Tory Ian Barker who netted a triumphant 963.

The British National Party suffered another barren night at the polls. Despite earlier concerns that they may take a seat, all of their candidates were soundly beaten.

Out of the 20 wards up for grabs 13 were Labour wards and seven were Liberal Democrat held. A total number of 70 candidates contested the elections on a night of high drama played out underneath banners bearing Oldham's brand new logo.

Click here to see the full break down of the vote in each ward.

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