Leader of Oldham Council Jim McMahon has been honoured nationally for his outstanding leadership at the Councillor Achievement Awards.
Councillor McMahon, who was elected to his post in 2011, was named ‘Leader of the Year’ at the gathering in London, hosted by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU).
The annual event celebrates some of the best work done by councillors across the country who go above and beyond with the strong leadership and direction they offer.
Cllr McMahon said: “It is an honour to be recognised and I am very surprised people involved in Oldham have taken the trouble to make the nomination.
“As humbling as this award is, this is recognition for the outstanding co-operative and partnership work taking place in Oldham, of which I am one part.
“Oldham is very much at a tipping point and it would all not be possible without the collective support and action from residents, businesses, the voluntary and community sector, council staff and councillors.”
Councillor McMahon, who became one of the youngest council leaders in the country when he took on his role aged 30, was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges made up of councillors and local government experts.
He was praised for his strong leadership, which has helped bring a dramatic improvement in service delivery, and driving a significant improvement in resident satisfaction rates.
Since taking over, he has focused on transforming Oldham into a ‘Cooperative Council’, creating resilience against growing cuts, and pushing campaigns including Fair Energy and Fair Fares.
Last year, an independent review of the local authority from the Local Government Association hailed a ‘remarkable transformation’ that has seen it become ‘an ambitious and effective council’.
Cllr McMahon added: “We’re investing into our borough with innovative and radical regeneration projects to deal with symbols of decline and to create jobs, for example the Old Town Hall project.
“The most important thing for me is the people of the borough believe Oldham can realise its full potential.
“I’ve tried to work hard to get regeneration moving again, to modernise the council and to make the most of the opportunities available to us, rather than be beaten by negativity.
“Although we’ve started well there is a great deal still to do and I hope people judge me by results on the ground over the next five years.”
Norman Stoller CBE, Chair of the Stoller Charitable Trust and Freeman of the Borough, commented: “The people of Oldham are blessed with a Leader who stands head and shoulders above all others.
“At a time of great challenge Jim has demonstrated amazing vision, determination, great negotiation skills and an ability to gain the support, both of his council colleagues and the backing of those who live and work in Oldham.”
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