Oldham Council could be on the verge of resolving its leadership deadlock with an interim power-sharing arrangement, set to be voted on at a full council meeting on Wednesday, September 16. The local authority has been operating without a political leader for six weeks, a situation that has officially left it 'breaking the law'.
Six-week stalemate
The crisis began after the May local elections left no political group with more than a third of councillors, and subsequent attempts to elect a leader failed, descending into shouting matches across the council chamber. During this period, all decisions have been delegated to council officers and published online after the fact, with elected members and the public unable to participate as usual. Much of the council's business has taken place behind closed doors.
Proposed power-sharing structure
The new arrangement would split responsibilities across all six political groups, reflecting the makeup of the council. The leaders of the four biggest groups – Labour (18), Reform UK (16), the Oldham Group (10), and the Lib Dems (6) – would each take charge of one of four key areas: Resources (Lib Dems), Place (Labour), Children and Young People (Reform), and Health and Adult Care (Oldham Group).
However, the deal is intended as an 'interim' arrangement. Groups would still meet monthly to try to agree on a long-term leader, and the council bosses would not hold executive powers, meaning they could not embark on ambitious new schemes or direct officers.
Restoring legality and scrutiny
If agreed, the temporary system would mean the council is no longer breaking the law, and meetings – largely paused since May – could resume. While much executive power would remain with the council's CEO, the proposed system would allow for greater political and public scrutiny of decision-making, according to a report on the full council's meeting agenda.
Chief executive Kipling said: “The proposals being considered this week represent a strengthening of the governance arrangements already in place. They provide greater transparency, stronger democratic oversight and clear political engagement, while ensuring decisions can continue to be taken effectively and in the best interests of Oldham.
“This has been a result of significant work and co-operation between the group leaders, who I would like to thank for their efforts to get us to this place. Whilst no replacement for the leadership model we are intended to have, this is a step in the right direction.
“Residents can be reassured that services are continuing, statutory responsibilities are being met and robust safeguards are in place to support the Council’s ongoing work.”
Next steps if deal fails
This is not the first proposed resolution, but sources within the council say they are 'quietly confident' the temporary governance structure will receive enough support from members across the political spectrum. If it fails, group leaders will be asked to go 'back to the drawing board' until a working arrangement is found.
The question remains over who will ultimately take the reins for the council some have long called 'ungovernable'. Unless an agreement is reached, residents may have to wait until the local election in May 2027 before there is any chance of a new boss for Oldham Council.
