The Oldham Times reported on the 12^th July 2022 that three Tory Shadow Cabinet Members have resigned their positions ‘following a number of recent events, discussions and press briefings.’ The Tory Group on Oldham Council is the joint Official Opposition (with the Liberal Democrats) with nine Councillors on Oldham Council. Both Groups are entitled to shadow Cabinet posts, with each post entitled to a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA).

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council said ‘It hasn’t taken long for Oldham Tories to fall out with each other. The Tories are at loggerheads locally and nationally. The Oldham Tories are rapidly turning into an embarrassment to the office they hold, coming just a few days after Conservative Councillor Max Woodvine told a local newspaper that none of the shadow cabinet do anything for the allowance they’re paid. Which incidentally came not long after he also said he ‘was embarrassed’ by the conduct of some Oldham Tories and the people they now openly associate with.

They need to grow up, focus on the job they were elected to do and concentrate on the real issues Oldham residents have to deal with like the cost of living crisis and the looming eye-watering increase in gas and electricity bills this October. It costs a fortune to fill up the car or van, childcare costs are the second highest in the OECD and inflation is 10% and rising. Oldham Foodbank has never had to support so many families.

The third Tory Leadership election in six years is an opportunity for Oldham’s Tories to highlight the harm done to Oldham residents by 12 years of Tory government and demand a change in direction.