Lib Dems And Tories Agree Oldham Deal

The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives shake on it after agreeing a deal to run Oldham Council. Left to right: Cllr Lynne Thompson, Cllr Howard Sykes, Cllr Jack Hulme, Cllr Len Quinn. (picture: Liberal Democrats/Conservatives)

The Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have reached a deal to run Oldham Council for the next year. Councillors from both sides unanimously backed the agreement tonight, less than a week after their national parties formed a coalition government at Westminster.

The agreement was thrashed out in days of talks between the parties, held after the local elections left no party with a majority of seats on the council. The Liberal Democrats and Labour have 27 councillors each, with the Conservatives on five. The sole independent, Cllr Ian Barker, had already confirmed to Saddleworth News that he would support the Lib Dems at next week’s annual council meeting.

Under the deal, the Lib Dems will retain the two most senior positions in the administration, with Cllr Howard Sykes as leader and Cllr Jackie Stanton as his deputy. The leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Jack Hulme, will get a position in the Cabinet although it’s not yet known which portfolio he will take on.

The Tories have agreed to support the Lib Dems’ budget for this year, and the two parties will prepare a joint budget for 2011/12. The devolution of power to District Partnerships, such as the one which already exists for Saddleworth and Lees, will continue.

In terms of saving money, work to share more functions with Rochdale Council forms part of the agreement. Also included is a promise to reduce the number of buildings occupied by the council, and make better use of existing council offices to improve value for money.

Cllr Sykes said: “The electorate have been clear in Oldham, as at national level, that they want politicians to put aside party differences and work together for the benefit of our Borough and its citizens.”

He went on: “Whilst this agreement is unique in the history of Oldham Council, I am reluctant to call it groundbreaking or historic, I prefer to see it as a mature and practical response to the testing times in which we find ourselves. Clearly some of the finer detail has yet to be finalised, but that will be the subject of further discussion before Annual Council.”

Cllr Hulme said: “As councillors, we have a responsibility to ensure the Council has strong, stable and effective leadership. My group and I believe the best way we can serve the people of Oldham is work with colleagues from the Liberal Democrats to ensure that the Council can deliver real benefits to local people.”

He added: “We all recognise that in any partnership there will not be agreement on every issue. However, the productive discussions between our parties show that we all have the best interests of the Borough at heart, and I’m confident we will be able to put together a strong programme that delivers results.”

For full coverage of the local elections and the aftermath from Saddleworth News, go here.

UPDATE 18/5: The Chronicle has now published an article on this story, which can be read here.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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