We are just one day away from the local elections and the people of Oldham have 127 candidates to choose from.
Oldham’s 2026 election has been fraught with controversy surrounding candidates, but as the physical fighting becomes a battle for leadership, are Oldham residents’ voices being heard over the political noise?
What controversies led up to Oldham’s 2026 elections?
In late 2024, violence erupted during a housing planning meeting in the council chambers with a physical altercation between two then conservative councillors, with police attendance being required. The two men involved were Graham Sheldon and Lewis Quigg. Quiqq is now running as a Reform UK candidate to represent Royton South, whilst leading the party’s local campaign.
In 2025, prospective Oldham Group candidate Shah Bahram pulled out of the race after a double arson attack, targeting his mother’s garden and his car.
In 2025 Labour councillor Arooj Shah also reported receiving a death threat at a petrol station, with the court case delayed until 2027.
2026 has brought fire bombings, this time targeting figures including Labour councillor Josh Charters. Who had his car set alight outside his home in January.
Controversial candidates in Oldham’s 2026 election race
- Independent Candidate (Werneth.) Mohammed Imran Ali, also known as Irish Imy has faced scrutiny for both his criminal past and online behaviour. Ali was convicted after serving as the getaway driver for double police killer Dale Cregan. His campaign has also drawn criticism for its peculiar nature. Such as a social media video where he taped a rival’s face to a water fountain shaped like a boy urinating.
- Reform UK candidate Paul Taylor (Waterhead.) Scrutinised for xenophobic and Islamophobic Facebook posts, which included a racist meme of Mayor Andy Burnham.
- Reform agent Adam Mitula was previously suspended for making anti-Semitic and transphobic comments but remains active in the 2026 campaign.
- The Oldham Group, formed by former Conservative councillors. Were accused of allegedly prioritising international conflicts over local concerns to secure block votes.
- Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Kenyon (Saddleworth West and Lees.) Was investigated for allegedly using a covert recording device. To listen in on a private meeting between the Labour council leader and officers in 2024.
- Labour councillor Aftab Hussain (St Mary’s.) The subject of a formal standards process following allegations of inappropriate behaviour and private messaging related to housing. He was also accused of spreading leaflets criticising then-known as ‘LGBT topics being taught in schools’ during a previous campaign.
Why does this matter?
The controversy leading up to the vote count, shows a huge interest from the community in gaining a majority council leader to solve the systemic political problems affecting the area.
It also confirms some residents’ concerns that the political drama is overshadowing the seriousness of this years election.
The people of Oldham are seemingly ready for change, and, with just one day left to decide. It appears the five key battlegrounds in Oldham will be: Werneth, Alexandra, Chadderton South, Chadderton North, and Saddleworth South, where the seats are tightly contested.
With some wards having as little as 0.5 points between them.
Will the controversy be worth it? Will Oldham finally gain stability in their administration with a majority leader?
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