Review Of 2010: May
Over the festive period, Saddleworth News is looking back at some of the stories which made headlines during the past year.
Phil Woolas during the election campaign. He won, but his victory wouldn't last.
May was dominated by politics. In the general election, Labour’s Phil Woolas scraped home by 103 votes over his Liberal Democrat rival Elwyn Watkins to hold the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency. As reported here, it took two recounts to separate the pair.
However, later in the month Mr Watkins announced here his intention to challenge the result because of statements made about him in Labour election leaflets. The legal case would eventually see legal and political history made.
In our two nearby seats, the Conservatives gained Colne Valley with Jason McCartney, while Jonny Reynolds held Stalybridge and Hyde for Labour. Articles are here and here.
There was also disappointment for the Lib Dems in the local elections as they lost their majority on Oldham Council, although they held all three Saddleworth wards, as reported here. They did a deal with the Conservatives to retain power, and you can read about that here.
On the parish council, a row about the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman (story here) somewhat overshadowed the installation of Cllrs Keith Begley and Bill Cullen in those jobs. Cllr Alma McInnes looked back on her year as Chairman here, while the council also revealed its new logo and website here.
The Whit Friday contests took place at the end of the month, and you can read details of the results and see some pictures of the day here and here. However, tragedy hit the Greenfield event as a man was run over and killed. An article about that is here. There were also complaints about licensing arrangements at local pubs, as outlined here.
Details of proposed parking limits in Uppermill were revealed here. We’d hear a lot more about that story later in the year, too.
April’s review is here, a look back at March is here, and February’s round-up is here.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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