Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report regarding the appointment of the Leader of the Council in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 as amended.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the nomination of Councillor Sean Fielding to the office of Leader of the Council.

On being put to the VOTE, the proposal was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Mayor requested and it was RESOLVED that Council Procedure 10.7 (Rules of Debate) be suspended to enable the Leader of the Council to address the Council.

The Leader addressed the Council and wished the Mayor well in the Municipal Year ahead and thanked the outgoing Mayor for the work done in the previous year.  Acknowledgement was given to the first anniversary of the Manchester attack and the observations made throughout the Borough and how Royton and Greater Manchester had responded.  The attack was an event which would never be forgotten and had brought out the best of the borough.

The Leader reflected on Oldham as a great place which inlcuded cultural and arts assets, green spaces, heritage and character.  The Leader was proud to work with great people, staff and partners.  There were challenges ahead and with help success would be made. 

The Leader reflected on the election results.  The Leader also commented on the concerns raised during the campaign which included highways and regeneration plans which could not be ignored.  The Leader recognised the progress made so far with brick and mortar schemes, Warm Homes Oldham and Get Oldham Working and took pride in those achievements.  The Leader had written to the Chief Executive on concerns that were as a result of listening to residents during the election campaign and stated that work was underway on that agenda.  The Leader highlighted cleanliness, highways investment and a review of the town centre plan.  The Leader referred to town centre living and reflected that the QE Hall and market hall should remain.  Transformation would be continued in the Cultural Quarter and it was not intended to stop progress but instead to pause and listen to the views of those represented.

The Leader made reference to his family.  The Leader reflected on the shortage of housing in the children who did not have a safe place in which to live, the lack of employment and barriers.  The Leaders stated the Council would work hard for excellent education, secure investment and create jobs, the benefits in health devolution would be maximised and the most vulnerable cared for.  The Cabinet Portfolios would be refreshed.  The Leader reflected on past, present and future investment.  Oldham could be a great place to live.  By working tougher, Oldham could achieve great things.

RESOLVED that:

1.         The appointment of Councillor Sean Fielding as the Leader of the Council from 23^rd May 2018 and ending on the day when the Council holds its first annual meeting after the Leader’s normal day of retirement as Councillors subject to the provisions as outlined at Section 2.1 of the report.

2.         The Leader’s Statement be noted.