Ellie Ames 19 December 2024

Police called amid row at town hall

Police called amid row at town hall image
Image: Copyright Lawrey / Shutterstock.com

Police officers were called to Oldham Council on Wednesday after a meeting was suspended when a row broke out.

Local media reported that references were made to ‘dictators’ and ‘Nazi sympathisers’, and that a protest was also taking place outside the civic centre.

Greater Manchester Police received reports of a disturbance from a member of the public at around 5.30pm.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘Police are currently investigating reports of racially aggravated public order and enquiries into this remain ongoing.’

The row began as councillors discussed pulling out of the Greater Manchester ‘Places for Everyone’ housing scheme, with members speaking over each other and mayor Zahid Chauhan having to call for ‘silence’.

Taking to X after the meeting, council leader Arooj Shah said: ‘The behaviour by some of the elected members at the meeting of the full council was a step too far.’

She added: ‘I would urge those disruptive members to reflect on their behaviour and remember that we are all there to serve the people of Oldham.

‘We were unable to do that because the meeting had to be abandoned. This is disrespectful, not just to their fellow councillors, but also to the residents we represent.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Manager Residential Care Strategy

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Team Manager Residential Care StrategyPermanent, Full Time£52,428 to £64,950 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Justice Service Practitioner, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
Up to £0.0000 per annum
Youth Justice Service Practitioner, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£36,101 to £48,622 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - FS&P, Tendring

Essex County Council
£45217 - £54395 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Family Support & Protection , North Essex, TendringPermanent, Full Time£45,217 to £54,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner (AMHP Qualified) - Emergency Duty Service

Essex County Council
£45217.0000 - £54395.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner (AMHP Qualified) - Emergency Duty ServicePermanent, Full Time£45,217 to £54,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Practice Leader

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£51093 - £54129 per annum
Our MASH team is fully established and operates within a lively and thriving workplace Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.