Arooj Shah
@shah_arooj
Followers
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Leader of @Oldhamcouncil | @LGAComms Lead Member for Children and Y People |Commissioner on @GordonBrown Commission on the UK’s future | Chair of @UKLabour NCC
Joined July 2009
So proud of all our staff that work tirelessly to provide the best public services for our residents. This is like winning itself , we all work so hard to do the best for our borough and really appreciate the acknowledgment! @JimfromOldham.
Great news! Oldham Council has been shortlisted for the Most Improved Council award at the @LGCAwards 🎉. This recognises the progress we’ve made in improving services, regenerating the town centre, building new homes, and creating opportunities!
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Great to be in Leeds today listening to our future Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer announce @UKLabour plans for a shared vision for our United Kingdom.Honoured to have been a part of the commission working on this for the last two years led by the incredible @GordonBrown.
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1/7: 🧵 . What a week. Proud to be back as Leader of Oldham Council with a clear plan to improve the lives of Oldham people and invest in the local areas they care about. A huge thank you to everyone who has sent their congratulations. The hard work starts now!
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Proud to be lighting up our civic buildings in an act of remembrance and respect #lestweforget
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Delighted to have been elected as Chair of @UKLabour National Constitutional Committee along with my friend @_petermason as Vice Chair. Under @Keir_Starmer @UKLabour is facing the country and determined to give Britain its future back. 🌹.
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1/5: Testing shambles in Oldham today!. I refuse to let the council take the flack for a national failure.Residents couldn't book online or through 119 and were being turned away from our walk up sites. Clearly appears national changed guidelines without informing us.
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1/5 Thank you so much to everyone who has contacted me and offered support over the last few weeks. It has been a difficult and, at times, frightening time.
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1/2 Today has been one of the most heartening days of my life.After many years of not knowing where I belong or if I belong. Today my @uklabour family showed me that I am a part of them. All the Cllrs ,MP’s,trade unionists and our incredible activists ,City Mayors @JimfromOldham
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Proud to outline my plans for the town today at my first meeting as Council Leader.We'll deliver cleaner streets, stronger relationships with local people and a focus on recovery. As an Oldhamer born and bred I'll work tirelessly to improve our town and the lives of local people.
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No seating left, no room to move ,a packed conference hall at @UKLabour conference to see and hear from @Keir_Starmer @AngelaRayner #LAB22 🌹.
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You inspire thousands of women like me. Solidarity @AngelaRayner always! 🙌🏾❤️.
I know how it feels to be looked down on - and I know what it’s like struggling to make ends meet. Whatever people say about me, I’m proud of my background. It informs my Labour values and our Party’s priorities - offering real help to people, right now🌹. #CostOfLivingCrisis
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Thank you for your trust and confidence. I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to continue this important work on behalf of our movement @UKLabour with my fantastic Vice -Chair @_petermason . 🌹.
Congratulations to @shah_arooj & @_petermason on your re-election as Chair and Vice Chair of Labour’s National Constitutional Committee. Pleased to continue working with you on the NCC.
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Great to welcome the amazing @Keir_Starmer to @mantralearning in Oldham today.Great discussions around levelling up and better relations between local & national Govt alongside @bevcraig the equally amazing new leader of @ManCityCouncil . #TeamLabour 🌹
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Delighted to attend my first meeting and officially become a member of @greatermcr . Honoured to accept the portfolio of Community,Cooperatives & Inclusion.
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Proud to be part of a delegation to Downing Street led by @bevcraig this morning to talk about the power of local government and how our Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer and the government can make us a key partner in their plans for change.
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This picture is everything this country stands for🏴❤️ .But the truth is that If we can’t win the fight against racism then quite frankly we don’t deserve to win anything. #Notoracism @MarcusRashford @BukayoSaka87 @Sanchooo10 @GarethSouthgate
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A wonderful welcome back from the Conservative group on Oldham Council. Thank you so much.
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I can’t lie,I am so excited,honoured and super blushing ☺️ to get a mention in the book written by the super talented & inspirational @lisanandy .Apologies in advance but everyone in my contact list is getting the picture below sent to them! 🌹#AllInHowWeBuildACountryThatWorks
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Congratulations to the new Leader of Oldham Council @CllrAmandaOL2. A fantastic appointment from Labour colleagues. 1/3.
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Lovely afternoon meeting my most favourite, and the most efficient Chief Constable GMP has ever had - Stephen Watson QPM. Honoured to have been presented with an award for my contribution to public service.
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2/2 I am indebted to each and everyone of you.People of all colours,communities,beliefs and factions from across the country came along to show me that I’m not alone,together with all the values that make us @uklabour we will fight any form of hate from within our society.🌹🌹🌹.
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5/5 Oldham is an amazing, vibrant, diverse and friendly town. The actions of a minority will never overshadow our true spirit. ❤️.
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5/5:them navigate through this ?!?!. Govt then has the nerve to use the weekly press conference to tell us off like we’re naughty school kids instead of accepting responsibility for their own failure.The Government is failing us and our people . #testingshambles #torychaos.
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Fantastic to hear @Keir_Starmer deliver his 5 missions for a better Britain 🇬🇧 this morning. @UKLabour @AngelaRayner 🌹
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Exactly!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾.
Am taking no lectures on racism from Parliamentarians in a Party that chose as its leader a man who described black people as "picaninies", which introduced the racist National and Borders Act, which introduced Voter ID to make it disproportionately more difficult for. .
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Becoming Leader today was bittersweet due to the absence of my friend and colleague @sfielding90 from the chamber. It was an honour to serve as your deputy for the last three years , you’ll be a tough act to follow.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time my dear beloved friend @ChauhanZahid 🤲🏾❤️
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Out today with #DontTrashOldham & uncovered bags of rubbish,all from a specific address.Culprit tried to cover their tracks with a shredder 🙄.I brought evidence back & pieced together🧐.I have your name & you'll be getting a fine.When we say Don't Trash Oldham we mean it.😡😡😡
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Blurry pic but truly honoured to be invited to speak to @UKLabour Women’s Parliamentary Group today to discuss my experience as a British Muslim Woman in Politics. @elliereeves @AngelaRayner @AnnelieseDodds @JanetDaby @PreetKGillMP @YasminQureshiMP @Debbie_abrahams @JimfromOldham
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While I may no longer be a councillor I'll continue to serve my community and the wider borough in every way I can. 3/3.
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1/4 Tonight at Cabinet we agreed to invest in a major refurbishment of the Oldham Coliseum at Fairbottom Street. I want to pay tribute to @juliehes and @coliseumfriends for their campaign and their commitment to making this work.
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@AndyBurnhamGM formidable champion for the North , speaking at @labournorthwest regional conference fighting for a better transport deal for all of us along with @MetroMayorSteve 👊🏽 #LNW21
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Super day for @OfficialOAFC .@Frank_Rothwell lives & breathes Oldham so completely understands the strength of feeling for the club.Over to the fans to pack out the stadium & show the world the strength of Oldham.When we unite nothing is impossible. #WeAreOldham
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There actually needs to be a ban on fireworks. Some selfish people think it’s okay to let them off at nearly midnight. It’s disgusting and I’m just sick of it. I don’t care what you’re celebrating, I’m not being forced to share the occasion. So inconsiderate and disrespectful! 😡.
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Omg my mum just randomly asks if I can take her to the Doctor’s. I check and it’s an appointment for her vaccination!!!. I’m so so happy!!!! 😭🤲🏽❤️ #ThankYouTeamOldham.
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On behalf of all of us in Oldham Labour I want to pass on our condolences to Tony's loved ones. He was a fantastic public servant, a champion of Greater Manchester & a friend. This is a tragic loss to politics & the Labour movement, we will miss him dearly. ❤️.
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Volunteered with Oldham Street Angels last night.Difficult at anytime of the year but even more during the festive season.Heartening support for those that that need it making sure they are safe,fed,clothed. @jeanhurls spreading love & hope,Thank you for all you do!
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Great to meet local residents from Hollinwood at tonight's #BigOldhamConvo but the star of the show was Avro FCs @CharlieOB2004 who was recently named The FAs National Volunteer of the Year. #WeAreOldham
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This lovely gem of a person heard about the roof leak at the mosque and contracted them!!. This is the Oldham I know ! #ILoveOldham ❤❤❤
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2/5 What the response from the vast majority of wonderful people showed is that, regardless of political affiliation, we do have far more in common than that which divides us. Thank you to Boris for the letter and Kier for the lovely flowers and personal note.
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JUST AGREED:Cabinet has tonight agreed to bring our essential Unity Partnership services back 'in-house', delivering more value for money and delivering more a effective service for our residents.This is our Customer Services,Highways,Revenues and Benefits. #Oldham #OldhamCouncil.
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Thank you for all your support Jim in what has been a really difficult election. Please do go out and support Labour on Thursday the 5th of May. #VoteLabour #LabourDoorstep 🌹🌹🌹
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Delivering my election address in Chadderton South. Lovely response from residents who are delighted that I have managed to allocate a significant part of the ‘Failed Collective Spirit School’ site for a park that local residents can enjoy. @oldhamlabour 🌹
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One day, just one day people will let me be. Thank you @JeremyWerneth for being well, just a decent human being.
Noted the article, saw the picture, read the comments, had to respond. See the bottom.
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Just say thank you to all group leaders for pledging that while we can and will disagree on policy we don't have to make it personal. We want Oldham to be the role model for civility in public life. #PoliticsNotPersonalities.
Leaders from across the political divide in #Oldham came together today to say "politics, not personalities" - committing to set a tone of civility and respect. More here 👇.
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4/5 My focus on improving Oldham for everyone who lives and works here will continue. I will not be scared away from doing the best for the town I grew up in and love.
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Lovely morning with our lovely team speaking to lovely residents, the only thing blue around here is my top 😜 @oldhamlabour 🌹🌹🌹
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We’re taking action against #hatecrime in #Oldham to support those affected by it and to educate those who think hate is okay. To find out more about what we're doing to tackle this issue in our borough as part of #HCAW, please visit #WeStandTogether
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Delighted to welcome nighttime maestro @sacha_lord to oldham this week to celebrate another successful bid by @OldhamCouncil,we're one of 10 towns in the UK to get High Street Accelerator Funding to give our evening & night time economy on Yorkshire St and Union Street a boost!
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Lovely time with members of my @UKLabour family for the launch of our fantastic candidate @simonlightwood campaign launch in Wakefield. @Azhar4Pendle @LordWajidKhan @AnnelieseDodds @lisanandy @LiamDidsbury 🌹🌹🌹
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Honoured to have spoken alongside formidable @LucyMPowell @KateGreenSU @DeputyMayorofGM at the International Women’s day drinks reception last night in support of our fantastic @LabourNorthWest Women PPC’s 🌹
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Delighted @oldhamlabour is being recognised for our #DontTrashOldham campaign. At the bank first thing and I was asked if I was ‘the cleaning leader for Oldham council’,then stopped by someone else asking me if ‘I was the lead cleaner for Oldham’ .Happy with both acknowledgments!.
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Honoured to have been there in person to thank you all for the amazing work you are doing to protect and support so many families across Greater Manchester. 🙏🏾.
🎤 Cllr @shah_arooj, leader of @OldhamCouncil, is kicking off today’s event - talking about the role of the Combined Authority in tackling poverty.
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Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating. The purpose of the fast is to practice self-restraint, piety, and generosity. So let’s remember all those that are less fortunate than us and continue to strive to make the world a better place for us all Aameen 🤲🏾🙏🏾
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Delighted to have met & spoken at the @CoopParty Northwest Regional Conference alongside our superb newest MP @AshleyDalton_MP.Great to see my lovely fellow cooperators & friends @Emma_Hoddinott @JoPlattLeigh & @FortuneJF .
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The feminist who believed in me when no one else did,the one who pushed me when all I wanted to do was give up, for teaching me that doing the right thing is never going to be easy but we should do it regardless and to never ever lose sight of why we enter public life.Thank you!.
Immensely proud @shah_arooj is set to become the Leader of @OldhamCouncil with @CllrAmandaOL2 serving as a new Deputy Leader, alongside @CllrAbdulJabbar . Our borough has so much potential, let's set it free🌹@Debbie_abrahams @AngelaRayner @AndyBurnhamGM .
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I was mentally exhausted last night so didn’t tweet.I spent the rest of the night staring at my ceiling in despair of the world we live in.I will do all I can to protect,support,empower women anywhere at any cost. Solidarity & love to sex workers everywhere.I have you ❤️ xx.
Humbling night with @shah_arooj. Out with @ManCityMission to see first hand how their Restart #Oldham project supports female sex workers. Grateful for the chance to meet the women, understand how vital the support is and what more needs to be done @WeActTogether @OldhamCouncil
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Keep at it in the dignified way you are - you will do amazing things for Rochdale as you have in all the years you have given to public service. @CllrAzharAli 🌹🙌🏾.
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Team #Oldham out in force this morning for our fantastic candidate @CllrAzharAli @Afzal4Gorton 🌹 #LetsGetBritainsFutureBack
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Had the absolute privilege to visit @oldhamcollege today with the amazing @FrancisAlun I was blown away by both the world-class facilities for technical and vocational qualifications and the happiness of everyone on campus. #TLevelWeek #WeAreOldham
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I get this from my @UKLabour family all the time!. So blessed to have them . Thank you all 🤲🏾🌹❤️
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Oldham is so wonderfully rich in diversity - tonight I had the most beautiful evening with the most loveliest people. Thank you so much to Oldham’s Polish Catholic Centre for inviting me to their Thanksgiving & Harvest Festival .
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This is disgusting - it’s horrible to listen to this Islamophobic nonsense targeted at @SadiqKhan . There is no room in our society for any form of hate and those in public roles should know better. Shameful from @LeeAndersonMP_ @Conservatives you must act and remove the whip !.
Tory MP Lee Anderson discussing Sadiq Khan on GB News:. “He’s given our capital city away to his mates”:. “I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan, and they’ve got control of London."
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Super proud. Thank you to you , @Harry1Catherall and all our dedicated team at @OldhamCouncil for all their hard work 🙌🏾.
I’m the proudest Lead Member for Children’s Services in the country today! We are officially Ofsted Good, a huge thank you to the team and @shah_arooj @Harry1Catherall for your continued support! @AndyBurnhamGM @Debbie_abrahams @JimfromOldham @AngelaRayner
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Great to host @MayorofGM @greatermcr in Oldham today.Fab tribute to @SirRichardLeese the architect of devolution,before that the driver in joint working across GM.Proud to know him/work with him.I know he’ll continue to improve people lives through his role leading health in GM.
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Why doesn’t he tell us - why doesn’t @michaelgove come to Oldham and we’ll happily discuss. Thanks to @AndyBurnhamGM you are only a tram ride away?.
Boris Johnson's 'Levelling Up Minister' Michael Gove wants to understand why Oldham isn't keeping up with Manchester. My piece from Tory conference, where @michaelgove was in conversation with @SebastianEPayne .
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Delighted to be given the opportunity to thank our fantastic @UKLabour Deputy Leader @AngelaRayner for the incredible work she is leading to improve diversity in local Gov,especially women into leadership positions.#LeadingFromTheFront #LabLocal21
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Another great morning speaking to our residents in #ChaddertonNorth .@oldhamlabour @JimfromOldham . 🌹🌹🌹
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4/5:If lab capacity is an issue and we’re facing the same situation that the leader of Wales found himself in when testing capacity was limited then at least do the right thing and let us know!!. How are we supposed to build trust with our residents and help.
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3/5 However, to those who chose and continue to choose to use this horrible incident to spread further hate, mistrust and lies I would say that hate will not win, in this town or anywhere else.
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Struggling so much to focus today. My heart is so sunken,I’m going to be that pain in the bum that relentlessly pursues the causes that make society so unfair to us regardless of what people think or who finds it uncomfortable. P.S including supporting the underdogs always! 👊🏽.
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We've got so many exciting plans for #Oldham town centre - and our brand new video, launched today, shows just how everything will come together 👏.Watch it here:
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I’m so grateful and feel so blessed. Incredible people like Frank are endorsing my leadership,rallying around me to sure that Oldham is the kind of borough that provides endless opportunities and prospers beyond imagination. 🙏🏽 #WeAreOldham.
Council Leader @shah_arooj has proudly named businessman and fundraiser @Frank_Rothwell her first Ambassador for Business. Read more here 👉 . #Oldham #Business
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Lastly but by no means the least , my incredible role model who inspires me to keep going even when I don’t want to @AngelaRayner , and @JimfromOldham the brother any girl could only dream of having and the greatest feminist I know! #InternationalWomensDay2022
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So many amazing runners all partaking for their own special causes but coming together as one in typical Oldham spirit. Thank you to @OldhamCouncil @OldhamCollege @StuLockwood67 @KellyTattersall for organising such an amazing event!.
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1/4 This leaflet is just one small example of an election campaign that has been relentlessly racist and offensive. There is no way the @Conservatives can remove themselves from this when they are central to it and are key drivers of the hate and division.
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Honoured to have hosted our incredible @MayorofGM for his question time evening here in Oldham at our fantastic @GalleryOldham library space. Thank you to @hannahITV also for chairing the event.
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I felt honoured to be invited to The Saddleworth Show.Thank you to Saddleworth and Oldham Metro Rotary Clubs for the invite but also for organising a spectacular community event for all to enjoy!.
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Fantastic news for our borough as we take a further step forward to regenerating our town.
We've got some great news! . We have successfully bid for £10.7 million to boost the ongoing regeneration of Oldham Town Centre. Read the full story 👉
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Omg my #NG9ers @joy4bishoptown @EllieCRobinson @huxley06 @Emma_Hoddinott @CllrAshraf @CoopCrofts @jimrobbins @PreetKGillMP @JanetDaby @Damientg I adore you all. You have my ❤️. The words inside are far too special for me to share with everyone. I ❤️ you all xxx 😘
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1/5 Delighted to be with @juliehes, Ian and the rest of the @saveourcoliseum tonight to jointly announce the reopening of the Fairbottom Street Theatre for panto 2025.
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How can they get away with being so ridiculously inept. Biggest public health crisis of our time and we’ve been failed massively. Restrictions without evidence and a test and trace system that doesn’t work!😭🤦🏻♀️. Killing us socially and economically. #borishasfailedtheuk
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Late post: After a moving Remembrance Sunday ceremony drinks and a catch up with Chris from the Fox & pine @JimfromOldham @JackBailey96
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Heartfelt congratulations to Oldham rugby legend Kevin Sinfield on receiving a CBE and Oldham artist Brian Clarke, on receiving a knighthood in the New Year Honours. Their achievements are truly extraordinary, inspiring future generations in Oldham. We couldn’t be more proud.
Oldham is incredibly proud of rugby legend Kevin Sinfield on receiving a CBE, artist Brian Clarke on his knighthood and Oldham Sixth Form principal Jayne Clarke on her OBE in the New Year Honours. Huge congratulations on their achievements. We wish them every future success.
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2/5:Testing is a key part of our fight back so how are we supposed to hit a testing target that demands asymptomatic testing. The biggest most difficult public health issue of our generation and they clearly haven't got a grip but are okay to lay the blame at our door.
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Some amazing news from me for Oldham’s parents and young people. My ambition and aspiration for our people will never falter. I’ll always fight for investment and fight the corner for Oldham. ❤️.
Incredibly exciting plans announced tonight to bring a new @Eton_College @StarAcademies sixth form to #Oldham - helping all our young people to fulfil their potential. Find out more 👇.
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Delighted & excited for @OsmanSayyed to join both @Harry1Catherall and I. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure Oldham is a place our residents are proud of. #WeAreOldham.
Today we've appointed @OsmanSayyed as the new Deputy Chief Executive for People Services. Strategic Director and designated Deputy Chief Executive at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Sayyed has worked in the public sector for 30 years. More info
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A brand new chapter for Oldham - one we as fellow Oldhamers can all be proud of ❤️.
📢 We're thrilled to announce our new development partner, who will deliver 2,000 homes in #Oldham town centre…. Please welcome…@muse_places, a company with a wealth of experience, headed by born and bred Oldhamer @PhilM_MuseNWW . Find out more:
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Super super proud of you @AndyBurnhamGM , only you could have had the determination and commitment to see this through. Another example of your dedication to social justice and addressing inequalities. Lots of love and a huge well done! Xx.
So it turned up! 😅. The first ever @BeeNetwork service arrives at Farnworth Bus Station at 4.30am. Greater Manchester is back in control of its buses. 👍🏻
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Creating a hostile environment to cover up a broken system isn’t leadership. We’ve been door to door with residents who understand we step up to support those seeking asylum - while some councils are allowed to turn the other cheek. #ChaddertonSouth #WeAreOldham
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Looking forward to working together to deliver our ambitious plans for the borough with an absolute focus on forging stronger relationships with our residents. #WeAreOldham @Harry1Catherall
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Door to door engagement around covid 19 in Woodhouses today where we’ve seen a number of positive cases recently. Great reception from great people #weareoldham #InItTogether @OldhamLg @drcotovelo @WeActTogether
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