Ellie Ames 03 January 2025

Tory group leader quits party after police called to town hall

Tory group leader quits party after police called to town hall image
Image: Oldham Council

The Conservative group leader of Oldham Council has resigned from the party after police were called amid a row at a town hall meeting.

Graham Sheldon said he believed two members of his group were responsible for the ‘deterioration’ of the meeting in December, which had to be abandoned.

The row broke out as councillors discussed pulling out of the Greater Manchester ‘Places for Everyone’ housing scheme, with local media reporting that references were made to ‘dictators’ and ‘Nazi sympathisers’.

Cllr Sheldon said he had asked members of his group to apologise, but they had refused.

He said: ‘I feel that my position has been undermined and will be unable to gain the respect I deserve.’

He intends to continue as an independent councillor.

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