Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence. However, Councillor Hughes wasn’t present at the start of the meeting, on 20^th May 2026, arriving after the meeting had adjourned at 12.30pm and she was present when the meeting reconvened at 4.30pm.

The Mayor MOVED and Councillor Shah SECONDED a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which advised the meeting that the election of the chair of the Council (Mayor) was a Council function in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Council was required therefore, to elect a Mayor for the municipal year 2026/2027 and to receive nominations for the position.

Councillor Wilkinson MOVED and Councillor Ball SECONDED the election of Councillor Brooks as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Chauhan MOVED and Councillor Navesey SECONDED the election of Councillor Hobin as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Al-Hamdani SECONDED the election of Councillor Woodvine as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules, 8.4(k) it was MOVED that this Council meeting be adjourned, at 12.30 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 4.30pm.

The Chair permitted Councillor Quigg to address Council.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rules, 8.4(k) it was MOVED that this Council meeting be adjourned until Monday, 15^th June 2026 at 6.00 p.m.

On being put to the VOTE, the MOTION was CARRIED.

RESOLVED: That the Council meeting be adjourned until Monday, 15^th June 2026, at 6.00 p.m.

The meeting commenced at 12.00pm and was adjourned at 4.45 pm.

Councillor Al-Hamdani MOVED and Councillor Sharp SECONDED the election of Councillor Woodvine as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Chauhan MOVED and Councillor Navesey SECONDED the election of Councillor Hobin as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

Prior to the vote being taken Councillors Hobin and Paul Taylor addressed Council.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the election of Councillor Rustidge as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

Prior to the vote being taken Councillor Elaine Taylor addressed Council.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Byrne MOVED and Councillor Wilkinson SECONDED the election of Councillor Pam Byrne as Mayor of the Borough and Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was CARRIED.

Councillor Byrne signed the declaration required by law, which enabled her to act in the Office of Mayor.

The retiring Mayor (Councillor Eddie Moores) invested the newly elected Mayor with the chain of office.

(The Mayor, Councillor Byrne, in the Chair).

The Mayor then made a speech of acceptance of office.

RESOLVED

1.       That Councillor Pam Byrne be elected Mayor of Oldham Metropolitan Borough  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

Councillor Shuttleworth MOVED and Councillor Elaine Taylor SECONDED a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Councillor Moores and to his Mayoress Mrs Kath Moores.

Councillor Hobin addressed the Council paying tribute to Councillor Moores.

The Mayor then invited Councillor Moores to address the Council.

Council received a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which advised that, in accordance with the provisions in the Council’s constitution, the appointment of the vice-chair of the Council (Deputy Mayor) was a Council function.

The Council was required therefore, to appoint a Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2026/2027 and to receive nominations for the position.

Councillor Hurley MOVED and Councillor Kouser SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Bishop as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Wilkinson MOVED and Councillor Ball SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Brooks as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Elaine Taylor MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Rustidge as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

To order that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 25^th March 2026 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council, held on 25^th March 2026, be approved and signed by the Mayor, as a correct record.

There were no declarations of interests.

There was no urgent business for this meeting of the Council to consider.

The Mayor referred to the recent death of former Councillor James Kevin Leyden, who was a longstanding member who at different times represented the Waterhead and Coldhurst Wards and who served as Mayor of the Borough in 1984/85. Accordingly, Councillor Jabbar addressed Council paying his individual condolences and tribute.

Council held a minute’s silence in memory of former Councillor Leyden.

The Mayor referred to the recent publication of the King’s Birthday Honours List, noting that the following ‘Oldhamers’ were honoured: Sir Kevin Sinfield, Carl Cox OBE, Lisa Riley MBE and Alison Brittle BEM.

The Mayor noted that several Councillors were not re-elected at the local elections on 7^th May 2026:

a.    Councillor Chauhan paid tribute to the work of Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, during his time served on the Council.

b.    Councillor Moores paid tribute to the work of Councillor McLaren during his time served on the Council.

c.     Councillor Harrison paid tribute to the work of Councillor Goodwin during his time served on the Council.

d.    Councillor Jabbar paid tribute to the work of Councillor Malik during his time served on the Council.

e.    Councillor Kenyon paid tribute to the work of Councillor Hamblett during his time served on the Council.

f.      Councillor Hobin paid tribute to the work of Councillor Hindle during his time served on the Council.

g.    Councillor Rustidge paid tribute to the work of Councillor Davis during his time served on the Council.

h.    Councillor Kouser paid tribute to the work of Councillor Wahid during his time served on the Council.

i.      Councillor Woodvine paid tribute to the work of Councillor Adams during her time served on the Council.

j.      Councillor Al-Hamdani paid tribute to the work of Councillor Marland during her time served on the Council.

k.     Councillor Charters paid tribute to the work of Councillor Cosgrove during her time served on the Council.

l.      Councillor Shah paid tribute to the work of Councillor Aftab Hussain during his time served on the Council.

RESOLVED:

That the Chief Executive be requested to write to the recipients of Honours, in the recent King’s Birthday List, noted above, conveying the Council’s congratulations.

To receive a report of the Returning Officer as to the persons elected to the office of Councillor on 7^th May 2026.

Consideration was given to a report of the Returning Officer which informed members of the results of the Local Election which had taken place on 7^th May 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the results of the Local Election be noted.

To appoint a Leader of the Council, in accordance with provisions of the Local Government Act 2000 as amended.

Council considered a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which asked that consideration be 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.

In considering the report, the Mayor advised Members that two Amendments to the submitted report that were to be Moved and Seconded by Councillor Taylor and Shuttleworth and by Councillors Al-Hamdani and Kouser respectively, had been withdrawn.

Council RESOLVED to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.1, for this item, so that the meeting can consider further Amendments to the report.

AMENDMENT

Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Wilkinson SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“That Councillor Quigg be appointed Leader of the Council and the Reform UK Group form a minority administration.”

Councillors Paul Taylor and Al-Hamdani addressed Council, in relation to the Amendment and Councillor Quigg exercised his right to reply.

On being put to the vote the AMENDMENT was LOST.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

Report to follow.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

Report to follow

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

To apoint to committees of the Council in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and to give consideration to some committees that are not allocated strictly in accordance with proportionality under the Act.

Appendix to follow

Council considered a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which sought a review of the political composition of committees and the composition of political groups as previously notified under Regulation 8(1) of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 and under Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government Housing Act 1989.

Council RESOLVED under Council Procedure Rule 14.9(b), to delete recommendation (e) in the submitted report “that Council appoints a Chair and Vice Chair of each of the various Committees for the 2026/27 Municipal Year, as detailed in Appendix 1, except for the Appointments and Appeals Committees and appoints a District Lead and Deputy District Leads for the North and East Districts.” The meetings of Committees will therefore appoint their own Chair for the duration of the meeting until Council makes the appointments.

RESOLVED:

1. The composition of the political groups as shown in paragraph 1.1, of the report, be noted.

2. The committees detailed in paragraph 1.2 of the reportbe appointed with the Terms of Reference and delegated powers as detailed in the Constitution.

3. The number of seats on the various Committees for the 2026/27 Municipal Year, be as detailed in paragraph 1.5, of the report.

4. Council confirms the allocation of seats to the political groups and makes appointments to fill the seats in accordance with Sections 15 and 16 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, as far as is practicable.

5. The Co-opted Members detailed at paragraph 1.9 of the report be appointed to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board and the Co-optees be given full voting rights in respect of education matters only.

6.  Any outstanding appointments to be delegated to the Chief Executive in accordance with the wishes of the relevant political group.

7.  That consideration of recommendations (e), in the submitted report, be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

To appoint Councillors to serve on Outside Bodies in 2026/27

Appendices to follow

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

a.    To confirm the meetings of Full Council to be held on the undermentioned dates during 2026/27, commencing at 6.00pm, unless otherwise stated:

           Wednesday, 15^th July 2026

           Wednesday, 16^th September 2026

           Wednesday, 18^th November 2026

           Wednesday, 16^th December 2026

           Wednesday, 3^rd March 2027 (Budget Meeting)

           Wednesday, 17^th March 2027

b.    To approve the calendar of Meetings for the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which set out the Calendar of Meetings for the 2026/2027 Municipal Year.

RESOLVED that:

1. The meetings of Full Council be held on the undermentioned dates during the 2026/2027 Municipal Year, commencing at 6.00pm unless otherwise shown:

15^th July 2026

16^th September 2026

18^th November 2026

16^th December 2026

3^rd March 2027

17^th March 2027

2. The Council’s calendar of meetings for 2026/2027 be approved.
3. Approval of any outstanding dates or changes to dates to be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Group Leaders.

Council is requested to re-affirm its Constitution as a matter of good governance.

Council considered a report of the Director of Legal, which invited Council to re-affirm the Council’s Constitution as a matter of good governance.

Council RESOLVED to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.1, for this item, so that the meeting can consider an Amendment to the report.

AMENDMENT

Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Barnes SECONDED the following AMENDMENT

To Split the role of the Mayor of Oldham from being Chairman of Council Business and creating a standalone role for the Mayor of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham and creating a standalone role for the Chairman of Council Business.

Councillor Al-Hamdani MOVED and Councillor Murphy SECONDED that consideration of the AMENDMENT, detailed above be referred to the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board for consideration. On being put to the Vote, this was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Council re-affirms the Council’s Constitution.

2.    That the Amendment above, submitted by the Reform UK Group, be referred to the Governance, Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Board for consideration.

There were no items of Administration Business for this meeting of Council to consider.

(time limit 30 minutes)

Motion: A new Start for Oldham Borough

To be Moved by Councillor Harkness

To be Seconded by Councillor Al-Hamdani

This Council believes that:

Residents of Oldham Borough want their Council to change to reflect the priorities of the people. 

They want their Council to get the basics right, with a laser-focus on improving the performance and effectiveness of frontline services including drain clearance, road repairs and park and green space maintenance.  

Residents want their Council to tackle environmental crimes like littering, dog-fouling, fly-tipping and graffiti. 

It is also time to deliver fair funding to all districts and communities in Oldham Borough and not just keep pouring capital investment into Oldham Town Centre. 

This Council resolves:
The administration will commit to presenting an emergency mini budget, to Council before the end of July 2026, in line with 12.6 of the Council Procedure rules of the Constitution, outlining how funding will be rebalanced to address the priorities set out in this motion, specifically getting the basics right, tackling environmental crime and delivering fair district funding.  

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 1^st July 2026.

RESOLVED: That the Council meeting be adjourned until Wednesday, 1^st July 2026, at 6.00 p.m.

The meeting commenced at 6.00pm and was adjourned at 8.05pm.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Al-Hamdani, Barnes, Hince, Hurley and Robinson.

Further to Minute 4, above, Council received a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which advised that, in accordance with the provisions in the Council’s constitution, the appointment of the vice-chair of the Council (Deputy Mayor) was a Council function.

The Council was required therefore, to appoint a Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2026/2027 and to receive nominations for the position.

Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Ball SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Brooks as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Hughes MOVED and Councillor Kouser SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Bishop as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Chauhan MOVED and Councillor Jabbar SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Rustidge as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Kouser SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Zaheer Ali as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

The Mayor, Councillor Byrne MOVED and Councillor Ball SECONDED the appointment of Councillor Wilkinson as Deputy Mayor of the Borough and Vice Chair of Council, for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

On being put to the vote, the nomination was LOST.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

Further to Minute 10, above, Council considered a report of the Assistant Director of Governance which asked that consideration be 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.

In considering the report, the Mayor advised Members that two Amendments to the submitted report that were to be Moved and Seconded by Councillor Taylor and Shuttleworth and by Councillors Al-Hamdani and Kouser respectively, had been withdrawn.

Council RESOLVED to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.1, for this item, so that the meeting can consider further Amendments to the report.

AMENDMENT 1

Councillor Quigg MOVED and Councillor Wilkinson SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“That Councillor Quigg be appointed Leader of the Council and the Reform UK Group form a minority administration.”

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 1 was LOST.

AMENDMENT 2

Councillor Shah MOVED and Councillor Elaine Taylor SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“That Councillor Shah be appointed Leader of the Council and the Labour Group form a minority administration.”

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 2 was LOST.

AMENDMENT 3

Councillor Kenyon MOVED and Councillor Woodvine SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“That Councillor Ghafoor be appointed Leader of the Council.”

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 3 was LOST.

AMENDMENT 4

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Kouser SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“That Councillor Kenyon be appointed Leader of the Council.”

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 4 was LOST.

AMENDMENT 5

Councillor Ghafoor MOVED and Councillor Kouser SECONDED the following AMENDMENT:

“That Councillor Akhtar be appointed Leader of the Council.”

On being put to the vote AMENDMENT 5 was LOST.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

Council considered appointments to certain Outside Bodies, in 2026/27, as detailed in the Supplementary Agenda that was published and circulated prior to the meeting.

As the Council had still to appoint a Leader, Deputy Leader, an Administration and a formal Opposition, it was suggested that the remainder of the Outside Body appointments for 2026/27 be deferred until 15^th July 2026.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the appointment to certain Outside Bodies, as detailed in the Supplementary Agenda, that was published and circulated prior to the meeting, be approved.

2.     That the consideration of the remaining Outside Body appointments for 2026/27, be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

RESOLVED:

That consideration of this item be adjourned until 15^th July 2026.

RESOLVED: That the Council meeting be adjourned until Wednesday, 15^th July 2026, at 6.00 p.m.

The meeting commenced at 6.00pm and was adjourned at 6.30pm.