I was first elected to represent Chadderton South residents in 2011, just in time for the then Chancellor, George Osborne, to introduce his austerity package, which we are all still paying for!

I am grateful that residents such as you have put your faith in me to represent your interest and while not everything that we would like to happen has taken place, much has improved within your area. May I also take this opportunity to thank the GMB trade unions who have sponsored me at each of my elections.

Having over £200m cut from government central funding has proved difficult to cope with both in Oldham overall as well as Chadderton South. Services have been cut and many staff have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

During my time as a councillor I have served on the following committees; Planning; Traffic Regulation Order; Audit; while I still serve on the Licensing; Performance & Value for Money; Home to School Transport; National Joint Committee, while I have also been the Lead Elected Member for Chadderton for eleven of the twelve years in office.

As a resident of Chadderton South what impacts on you impacts on me and I hope that this year you will spare a matter of minutes to cast your vote in my favour and that of my Labour Party colleagues.