A SADDLEWORTH councillor has resigned as Oldham’s Conservative group leader, citing actions by two of its members.
Graham Sheldon is believed to have been involved in a heated confrontation with Cllr Lewis Quigg at the December meeting of the authority, which was effectively abandoned.
Royton North Councillor Quigg could be heard saying, ‘I quit this party. You no longer have any say over me.’
Saddleworth South Councillor Sheldon approached him and both were seen squaring up to each other, with the former seen pushing the latter.

Now he has stepped down from his position – and the party.
In an e-mail to Oldham Council’s acting chief executive, Shelley Kipling, he wrote: “Following the last council meeting, I am still of the opinion that the deterioration and subsequent abandonment of the meeting was a result of the actions of two members of my group.
“The aggressive bawling and shouting at officials and the foolish name calling is behaviour I cannot accept.
“At the request of the Mayor, I asked the two members to apologise for their actions and this was declined.
“I feel that my position has been undermined and will be unable to gain the respect I deserve.
“It is my wish to resign as the group leader and member of the Oldham and Conservative group.
“I intend to sit on the council and work for the residents of Saddleworth South and Oldham as an Independent Councillor.”
The council meeting on Wednesday, December 18 was effectively abandoned after unedifying scenes and alleged name calling.
Claims Oldham Council had not acted after a vote on the Places for Everyone scheme many thought would have forced it to write to secretary of state Angela Rayner, asking to withdraw, saw tempers fray.
Cllr Quigg exploded as interim borough solicitor Alex Bougatef described ‘a really poor motion.’
And Cllr Marc Hince raged as he claimed he has been referred to as ‘a Nazi,’ bellowing: “Take those words back now,” for which he later apologised.
“I will not be called a Nazi by anyone,” he added.
Cllr Sheldon, who was backed by many sides, said at the meeting: “Personal attacks and aggressive behaviour are not acceptable to all members of this chamber and certainly not to the people of Oldham.
“As leader of the Conservative group, two of my members have, in my opinion, overstepped the mark.”
As well as Cllrs Hince and Quigg, Saddleworth South Cllr Max Woodvine was asked to apologise, which he – like his Conservative colleague – refused to do.
He has denied to the Independent claims he referred to Cllr Hince as a Nazi and asserted he had nothing to apologise for.
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