Roy Oldham, 1934 - 2010.

A by-election has been called in the Longdendale ward, to fill the seat, which sadly is vacant due to the passing of Councillor Roy Oldham.

To many of us Roy was a friend and colleague, but he will also be remembered as one of the true heavyweights of local government in Britain, having served as Leader of Tameside Council for 30 years, the longest serving council leader in the country.

Longdendale resident Janet Cooper, has been selected by the local Labour Party as our candidate in this by-election. In paying tribute to Roy, she had this to say;

So much has already been said about Roy as a great politician , but he was much more than that
he was a good friend, motivator and he could bring out the best in anyone. His encouragement
made you feel there was nothing you could not achieve. One thing that could not be stated enough is the passion and commitment that Roy had to the people and the area he loved to serve. Anyone following in Roys giant footsteps, will have to grow slowly and steadily with their small steps, but with the wisdom and guidance Roy has freely given over the years Longdendale will continue to build on his work.

Roy Oldham, 1934 - 2010.

Tributes were also forthcoming from fellow Longdendale Councillor Sean Parker-Perry;

I don’t know what I will miss most about Roy, his vast knowledge, his wise words his sense of humour or his fabulous company.

And finally, Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds had this to say;

As council leader Roy Oldham led Tameside for many years and he was crucial to ensuring Tameside is the thriving borough it is today,” said Jonathan. His devotion to the area he loved and to public service were outstanding. And there are few people in our community whose lives aren’t in someway better because of the decisions he has made. He always had a strong and clear vision about how to make Tameside better - and a determination to make that happen. In addition, his commitment to the people of Hollingworth , Hattersley, Mottram and Broadbottom as a local councillor was always clear. He loved the area and he will always be remembered very fondly by local people.

 Roy gave his life to the Labour movement and to the people of Tameside. We shall ensure that his hard work is continued in his memory.

Thank you for all that you did Roy, may you rest in peace.