Cllr Ginny Alexander will continue in her role as Mayor of Oldham for another year after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of fundraising and civic engagements. This will be confirmed at Oldham Council’s first ever virtual meeting of the full council on 17th June.

The Mayor said: “It’s been a huge honour to be Mayor of Oldham but in the last few weeks the role has changed hugely, due to the pandemic.

“Before I was attending events around the borough and also representing the town further afield.

“Since the lockdown I’ve not been able to do any of this and that’s been a real shame as I love meeting people face to face.

“Extending my term of office will hopefully give me the chance to do this once again, and I’ll also be able to carry on fundraising, which is an important part of the mayoral role.

“In the meantime, please stay safe.”

Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “These are unprecedented times and the role, and the work of the mayor, like other services and departments, has been severely impacted.

“The Mayor plays an important role helping to raise the profile of the borough and Ginny and Jenny were doing a great job before the pandemic hit.

“By extending Ginny’s term for another year it will give her the chance to properly finish off her term and raise even more money for the charities she supports.”