Councillor Paul Taylor has been elected leader of Reform Oldham, pledging to 'save Oldham' following a 'close' election to the post. The Waterhead councillor becomes Reform UK's third leader in Oldham since the local elections in May this year, when voters elected 13 new Reform councillors, bringing their total number to 16.
Leadership election triggered by resignation
The leadership election was kickstarted after Failsworth West councillor Mark Wilkinson stood down citing health reasons. Coun Wilkinson himself had recently been elected to replace Royton councillor Lewis Quigg.
Coun Taylor's appointment comes at a crucial time. Next month, Reform will be looking to defend Failsworth West in a by-election, and the party will be looking to make further gains in 2027's local elections in an effort to become Oldham's largest political party.
Background and statement
The Waterhead councillor previously stood as a candidate for the Brexit Party as well as the independent Northern Heart Party, which he still leads according to the Electoral Commission's website. Reform have told the LDRS he is now resigning from this position. He has also previously touted his Masters degrees and his work as Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service's commander for Oldham.
In a statement released following his election as leader, Coun Taylor said: "I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been elected Leader of the Reform UK Group by my fellow colleagues. I want to thank them for putting their faith and trust in me.
"My mission is simple: to 'Save Oldham'. Our borough has suffered decades of decline under Labour's leadership, with residents too often being let down by a council that has lost touch with the people it is supposed to serve.
"I genuinely believe that the Reform councillors elected by the people of Oldham are among the most talented, dedicated and hardworking individuals ever to set foot in the council chamber. Together, we are building a strong team that is focused entirely on getting the best outcomes for local residents.
"Our focus now is firmly on May 2027. We will be taking our message of common sense, accountability and real change to every corner of the borough. Reform UK is ready to take control of this council and deliver the fresh start that Oldham desperately needs. I cannot wait to get going."
Social media statement and vote details
In a further statement posted on social media, Coun Taylor said his election 'comes at a critical moment', adding: "The only way to break Labour's grip on Oldham is to elect more Reform UK councillors next May. Vote as you did last time, and Reform UK will become an irresistible force that ends Labour's stranglehold on our town once and for all."
The LDRS understands Coun Taylor won following presentations put forward by himself as well as Hollinwood councillor Robert Barnes. The vote is believed to have been close.
In August, Coun Taylor faced criticism in the council chamber when he hit back over comments questioning the competence of Reform councillors to lead the local authority. He said: "The person that told me I wasn't competent was a Busy Bee bus driver. I'm sorry but that is not a good enough reason not to support the most talented group of individuals this council chamber has ever seen and I say that as a senior manager of Greater Manchester Fire Service."
However Conservative councillor Beth Sharp said: "Even if someone is a bus driver, that is a very good job, a very decent job and not something just to be called out just because you might have three masters."
