Liberal swing in Saddleworth borough elections

SADDLEWORTH now has an amber tinge after voters made the Liberal Democrats its dominant political party at the local elections.

In the area’s three Oldham Council wards, five of the party’s candidates were returned, including one new face and one returning one.

Helen Bishop came second in Saddleworth South, meaning the Lib Dem will serve for three years before facing re-election, as sitting councillor Chris McManus lost his seat, only coming in fifth place.

The party was only 157 behind Conservative Max Woodvine as they chased taking two seats from the Tories.

Councillors Garth Harkness and Helen Bishop

And the woman who was an independent on Saddleworth Parish Council is delighted the old adage of ‘If at first you don’t succeed’ came true.

“I think that was the fifth attempt,” said the new Cllr Bishop. “But it’s been something that’s built up over a few years, it’s something I’ve just flown in and suddenly picked up loads of votes.

“Obviously, standing on this occasion as a Liberal Democrat, with the support of the party, has helped.

“I had quite a large personal vote as well, so the two combined have helped get me over the line.

“If I’m honest, I wasn’t quite expecting to be in this position but now it’s about working hard. It was a but of a surprise as I’m that sort of person who doesn’t count their chickens before they hatch.

All three Liberal Democrats were reutned in Saddleworth West and Lees

“If you get complacent or over-confident, you don’t work as hard as you need to. So I always think I’m going to lose and just keep pushing – eventually, it paid off.

“My plans for Saddleworth South include infrastructure – getting some of the roads sorted out, planning issues, protecting the green belt, what we’ve already seen, just with more support.”

In Saddleworth North, Garth Harkness is back on Oldham Council after they took the seat occupied by Labour’s George Hulme, with that party only coming fifth.

Two years ago, he was voted out with the Conservatives’ Luke Lancaster coming in but he is now back on the authority.

In Saddleworth West and Lees, there was no change as Sam Al-Hamdani, Alicia Marland and Mark Kenyon retained their seats for the Liberal Democrats.

That gives the party five seats ahead of the Tories’ four, with Cllr Woodvine facing the vote again next year as he finished third in Saddleworth South.

Councillors Graham Sheldon and Max Woodvine were returned to their seats in Saddleworth South

And Cllr Sheldon admitted: “It has been a tough election but the hard work and enthusiasm the younger members have shown carried us over the line.

“They actually listened to people and that’s the main part of being a councillor, listening problems – whether it’s a pothole, footpaths or protecting green spaces.

“I’m really disappointed Chris didn’t get one as he’s been one of the Oldham Conservatives’ hardest-working members. He’s shown so much potential and helped not only in Saddleworth but across Oldham.

“But while all other wards have had new medical centres or provisions, we’re lacking in Saddleworth. We’re quite determined the old school site will not become completely residential.