Police called to Oldham Council meeting as abuse such as 'dictators' and 'Nazi sympathisers' thrown around

The meeting was adjourned after a heated debate centred around the ‘controversial’ Places for Everyone housing scheme. Tensions rose to the point that members of the public and councillors were hurling abuse at each other and the acting borough solicitor, including references to ‘dictators’ and ‘Nazi sympathisers’.

Oldham Mayor Zahid Chauhan called for an adjournment to the meeting – but the conflict didn’t end there. A riot van and police cars were pictured outside the council building. It is thought police had also been called out during the evening to a protest gathering outside.

The LDRS contacted Greater Manchester Police for clarification on whether the riot van was connected to the incident inside the chamber or the protest.

During the break an argument arose between the deputy of the Oldham Conservatives Lewis Quigg and the Conservative leader Graham Sheldon. Coun Quigg could be heard saying ‘I quit this party. You no longer have any say over me’.

Sheldon approached him and both councillors could then be seen squaring up to each other, with Quigg seen pushing Sheldon. The two men were separated by other Conservative councillors surrounding them. The police were called over to the incident. The meeting remained adjourned for an hour and 45 minutes, while officers took statements and political groups convened in private rooms to discuss how to move forward.

Once the meeting was resumed, councillors involved in the ‘aggressive behaviour’ shown throughout the meeting were asked to apologise. But after Quigg refused to do so, the meeting was suspended.

Council leader Arooj Shah told the chamber: “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.”

The townhall boss said: “The behaviour by some of the elected members at the meeting of the full council was a step too far. I will stress this is a handful of members – most members from all parties and groups treat the chamber with the respect it deserves. …

“I would urge those disruptive members to reflect on their behaviour and remember that we are all there to serve the people of Oldham. We were unable to do that because the meeting had to be abandoned.

“This is disrespectful, not just to their fellow councillors, but also to the residents we represent. … Democratic discourse in Oldham needs to be elevated. We owe it to the people who have afforded us the privilege of being councillors to make that happen.”

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for details.