THE Oldham Conservatives have backed a petition claiming the local election was “badly run” and are calling for the deputy leader of the Oldham Council to stand down.

Councillor Graham Sheldon, Conservative group leader on Oldham Council said it is “important” voters have “complete trust” in the electoral system after independent candidate Montaz Ali Azad launched a petition against the local election result.

In the local elections on May 6, independent candidate Montaz Ali Azad was beaten by deputy leader of the Oldham council, Abdul Jabbar in the Coldhurst ward by 71 votes.

The Oldham Times:

Mr Ali Azad

In his election petition, which has been published on the council’s website, Mr Ali Azad makes a series of claims as to why the result should be challenged.

Among the claims the petition states: “My polling agents were not allowed to enter polling stations from 7am until around 12.30pm to represent me in the polling stations due to elections office error.”

Another claim by Mr Ali Azad is that the one in one out system to enter the polling station caused a “long queue” which “deterred would be voters waiting in the adverse weather”.

Mr Ali Azad says that he believes as a result of the reasons he lists in his petition the election was “void” and that a re-election should be authorised.

Councillor Graham Sheldon, Conservative group leader on Oldham Council said: "This petition goes to the heart of democracy here in Oldham. It is important that voters have complete trust in our electoral system.

"This matter must be resolved for the people of our town as quickly as possible.”

He added: “Whilst this petition is being considered, we believe that Cllr Abdul Jabbar should stand down from his position as deputy leader of the council and finance chief.

“Oldham and Saddleworth Conservatives fully support the petition and call on Oldham Council to address this matter urgently.”

In response Cllr Jabbar said: “I am not able to provide detailed commentary as proceedings are ongoing, but I can confirm that this legal challenge will be robustly defended.

"It should be noted that the petition contains no allegations whatsoever of personal wrongdoing by me. Therefore, there is no reason whatsoever why I should step down as Deputy Leader and I am getting on with the business of serving residents in that role.”

A spokesperson for Oldham Council added: “It would not be appropriate for the returning officer to comment on these allegations, given that an election petition has now been received. This is now a matter for the courts.”

Following the launch of the petition, a date for the hearing will be set.