What happens next as Oldham chaos carries on and on and on

Oldham Council has been plunged into chaos after two weeks of canceled meetings due to a political stalemate over leadership following the May local elections. Labour lost eight seats, leaving them with 18 councillors, while Reform UK now holds 16 seats. Neither party has a majority, with 31 seats required to control the council, and Labour leader Arooj Shah announced her resignation while Reform ruled out forming a coalition. A meeting scheduled for May 20 to elect a new mayor and leader was postponed after hours of failed negotiations. Three nominations for the ceremonial mayor role failed to secure enough support, with councillors accusing each other of breaking procedural rules. Without a mayor, the meeting could not legally proceed, and talks collapsed after nearly five hours, leaving the council without leadership or a cabinet. Key meetings have been canceled, including one scheduled for June 15, as the council awaits a resolution. Services continue operating normally, but no policy or budget changes are expected until new leadership is in place. The Local Government Association and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have been updated on the situation. Oldham West MP Jim McMahon criticized the ‘unnecessary and petty-minded politics’ that have stalled progress, calling for parties to prioritize the borough’s needs over political ambitions. Labour urged all parties to focus on convention over political aspirations, while Reform blamed other groups for the deadlock. The council remains in limbo, with no mayor, leader, or cabinet, and further delays expected until a viable administration is formed.