Cllr Ghafoor, Cllr Irfan and Cllr Wahid were elected to Hollinwood Ward in the all-out election this year. The Conservative Group lost its status as the official opposition with eight seats in the council chamber in comparison to the Liberal Democrats with 10 seats in the council chamber. Howard Sykes, the Lib Dem leader, said: "The Liberal Democrats are getting on with the work people expect from us. Here is the make-up of Oldham Council:Labour Group - 32Liberal Democrats - 10Conservative Group - 8Failsworth Independents - 3Independent Group (Cllr Ball, Cllr Hince, Cllr Hurley) - 3Independent Group (Cllr Ghafoor, Cllr Irfan, Cllr Wahid) - 3Other Independents - 1The Oldham Times asked Graham Sheldon, the leader of the Conservative Group, for a comment. Cllr Ghafoor, Cllr Irfan and Cllr Wahid are unable to comment while an investigation is ongoing.

Source: The Times November 26, 2023 13:01 UTC