Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah has announced her resignation as head of the town hall, effective May 20. She cited a recent local election defeat that left Labour with only 18 councillors, while Reform UK secured 16 seats. Labour opted against forming a coalition to retain control.

Reasons for Stepping Down

Coun Shah described the election results as devastating after 18 months of campaigning. Upon entering the count, she observed the far-right and independents dominating, signaling that division has overtaken the borough. “My town has been taken over by division,” she stated. “That hit me really deeply.”

Despite remaining the largest group, Labour must respect the electorate’s choice and step back, Coun Shah emphasized. Residents have heard Reform UK’s claims that Oldham is broken, so now they must deliver on doorstep promises.

The St Mary’s councillor, Oldham’s first Muslim woman to lead a northern town hall since 2021, lost her seat in 2022 but returned as leader in 2023. She called the decision a personal loss for an Oldham native. “I love this town with a passion,” she said. “I’m terrified about what might come for Oldham, but at the same time I have to respect democracy.”

Election Breakdown and Voter Sentiment

Reform UK gained 13 seats to become the second-largest group with 16 members. The Oldham Group added two seats but lost one to Reform. Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Conservatives all saw major losses, with turnout nearing 47%.

Coun Shah attributed the shift to false narratives and populism. “When people’s lives haven’t changed quickly enough, people hold resentment towards the people who are in power,” she explained. “Populism is really attractive to people whose lives aren’t changing as quickly as they want it to.”

Achievements and Challenges During Tenure

Over three years, Coun Shah oversaw key milestones: opening a new market, rescuing Oldham Coliseum, and securing a multi-million-pound partnership with developer Muse. The council also navigated crises, including a mass grave discovery at Royton Cemetery, resistance to the Greater Manchester Places for People housing scheme, and demands for a national inquiry into historic child sexual exploitation.

Labour pursued a five-to-10-year improvement plan, achieving significant progress that residents supported on the doorstep, she noted.

Leadership Stalemate and Project Risks

Reform UK has ruled out coalitions, leaving no group with a majority. Forming a minority administration will prove challenging, raising fears of intervention by central government. Labour plans to enter opposition.

Uncertainties loom over major projects like the Eton Star Academy on Tommyfield Market and Muse’s regeneration bringing 2,000 homes to the town center. Coun Shah warned against unraveling these for political gain. “I would be absolutely devastated if anyone tried to unravel the plans,” she said, urging focus on opportunities for residents.

A vote on new leadership occurs at the full council meeting on May 20.