Reform UK made significant gains in the Oldham council election, taking seven seats from Labour in an election with a much higher turnout than the last local election.
This year’s local polls in Oldham saw 20 council seats up for grabs, with one in each ward.
The turnout stood at 46.67 per cent, over ten per cent higher than the 35.58 per cent recorded in 2024.
However, no overall control of the council was reached, meaning days of decision-making are ahead to reach an agreement as to the council's leadership.
Reform UK won seats in several wards, including Royton South, Hollinwood, Crompton, Saddleworth North, Saddleworth West and Lees, Royton North, Failsworth East, Failsworth West, Chadderton South, Chadderton North, Shaw, and St James’.
In Waterhead, Reform’s Paul Taylor won with 1,459 votes, defeating Labour’s Ali Aqeel Salamat, who received 954.
Reform’s leader in Oldham, Councillor Lewis Quigg, said: "I think there are going to be a number of shocks in some seats, some expected wins, some unexpected.
"The silent majority has spoken, turnout is up, many non-voters have turned up to this election, and they are absolutely fuming with not only how the government has behaved, but also the way this council has behaved under the leadership of Arooj Shah."
Labour did have holds in Werneth, Chadderton Central, and Medlock Vale.
The Oldham Group, a local independent alliance, also had a successful night.
Read more:
-
Several bungalows to be built on unused land in Oldham after plans approved
-
'Punitive' Royal Oldham parking system needs government reform, campaign says
In St Mary’s, Sonny Shah Arstan of the Oldham Group won with more than 2,500 votes.
Shabir Hussain of the Oldham Group won Alexandra ward.
The Oldham Group’s leader, Councillor Kamran Ghafoor, spoke before the results: “I think it shows in some of the wards, where people are understanding that the Oldham Group are a serious force in Oldham.
"Obviously, we don't know what the final results are, but I'm hoping that we will be the main opposition and maybe take over the council with agreements with other parties.”
He added local issues were a key focus, saying his party wanted to see 'more green spaces for Oldham, community centres and provision for parking before fining residents'.
The Liberal Democrats had a strong hold in Saddleworth South, with Helen Bishop receiving 1,594 votes, just two ahead of Reform UK’s Christopher McMannus.
The count took place at Oldham’s new event space, The Loom, rather than QE Hall, with results initially expected by 5am, but running past that mark, with the final result announced shortly after 7am.
Some disruption occurred in Waterhead ward, where at least 15 votes were discounted due to a misprint on the ballot papers.
An investigation is underway into the issue, as some ballot papers featured candidates for a different ward.
A spokesperson for Oldham Council said: “We are aware of an issue affecting some ballot papers in the Waterhead ward.
"An investigation is underway to determine the extent.”
In a dramatic turn, Oldham Group leader Councillor Ghafoor reported his car had been vandalised while parked in the Town Centre as he attended the vote.
Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.
Share