Oldham Council could face intervention from government commissioners after councillors failed to form an administration at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday evening. The authority has been in no overall control since the local elections in May, which saw Labour lose eight seats and Reform UK gain seven.
The council's chief executive is now advising the government of the situation, and the monitoring officer will formally write to the Secretary of State. Alex Bougatef, the council's top legal officer, presented a report stating that the lack of a leader is a statutory requirement and raises serious concerns about decision-making and governance.
Seven proposals were put forward during Thursday's meeting, including bids for minority administrations from Labour and Reform, as well as an alliance of smaller parties and an independent councillor. All proposals failed to pass. Reform also suggested further elections in May 2027, but other parties argued this was not a "quick fix" and that a leader would still be required in the interim.
Chief executive Shelley Kipling stated that while council services continue to operate, the absence of a leader and elected members in key roles puts the assessment of children's and adult services at risk. She also noted that the government has escalated its oversight of the situation, suggesting an "anticipation of a requirement for government intervention or greater more formalised support."