Police Respond After Confrontation Between Two Conservative Councillors

Law enforcement personnel attended a council session following an “explosive” dispute involving elected officials from various political factions and members of the public. The Oldham Council gathering was suspended subsequent to an intense discussion focused on the “controversial” Places for Everyone housing initiative. The level of tension escalated to where both members of the public and councillors directed insults at one another and the acting borough solicitor, incorporating terms such as “dictators” and “Nazi sympathisers”. Oldham Mayor Zahid Chauhan requested a suspension of Wednesday evening’s session, yet the disagreement persisted beyond that point. Images showed a riot van and police vehicles positioned outside the council premises. It is believed that police had additionally been summoned to a protest assembly occurring outdoors. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has reached out to Greater Manchester Police seeking clarification regarding the connection of the riot van to either the occurrence within the chamber or the demonstration. Elected officials had been debating the plan, which involves councils throughout Greater Manchester designating land for residential properties over the forthcoming 15-year period. Nevertheless, demands exist for Oldham to withdraw in order to safeguard the green belt. During the recess of the meeting, a disagreement emerged between Lewis Quigg, the deputy of the Oldham Conservatives, and Graham Sheldon, the Conservative leader. Quigg was audible stating, “I quit this party. You no longer have any say over me”. Sheldon moved towards him, and subsequently, both councillors were observed confronting each other, with Quigg seen shoving Sheldon. Other Conservative councillors encircling them intervened to separate the two individuals. Law enforcement was summoned, and the session stayed suspended for an hour and 45 minutes, during which officers recorded statements and political factions gathered in private spaces to deliberate on a path forward. Upon the resumption of the meeting, councillors who had displayed “aggressive behaviour” during the proceedings were requested to issue an apology. However, following Quigg’s refusal, the meeting was halted. The council leader, Arooj Shah of Labour, addressed the chamber, stating: “Shame on all of us for allowing this behaviour to continue and grow and stand here to proclaim we represent the people of the borough and their best interest when we conduct ourselves like this.” Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for further information. For the finest content from BBC Radio Manchester, tune into Sounds, and connect with BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Additionally, you can submit story concepts to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and through Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.