23/09/2026
A STATEMENT FROM COUNCILLOR MARK WILKINSON
LEADER OF REFORM UK - OLDHAM
Following the Oldham Council Meeting on Wednesday 16th September 2026, it has come to my attention, that a number of false statements and inaccurate allegations, regarding the actions of Reform UK Oldham, and in particular my role within the group have been reported on social media. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but personal and demeaning attacks, unwarranted and unjustified, says more about those conveying their venom, than those in the line of fire. I want to state categorically that these claims are entirely untrue.
To re-cap. On the afternoon of Sunday 6th September 2026 , I received a ‘letter’ via Whattsapp from the then Leader, Councillor Lewis Quigg, (at this point I was the Deputy Leader) informing me that he had resigned. He was clear that he had done so voluntarily and without prejudice or disagreement, as the role had become “time-consuming and all consuming”. I can honestly say, this came as a huge shock and very unexpected.
As a result of this, I emailed all Reform councillors the following morning to advise them, and to arrange for a ballot to select a new leader and deputy leader, nominations for these positions were to be submitted by Midnight on Tuesday 8th September. The vote took place on Monday 14th September, and I was duly elected leader and Councillor Gary Tarbuck deputy leader.
Over the previous weeks, numerous cross party meetings were held in the presence of the CEO, Shelley Kipling. We were told that as a result of us finding no common ground in electing a leader of the Council, we were acting unlawfully, and it was in order for commissioners to intervene and take over the running of the council. It was clear that this was not an option any of the parties wanted. This intervention would have been the worst possible outcome for Oldham and its residents, not only in terms of the huge financial costs, but all power and decision making would be handed over to them.
In an effort to show commissioners we were all prepared collectively, to compromise, we were offered the opportunity via an interim governance mitigation report, to keep services operating by forming committees for various departments. It is important to understand, that even with this arrangement in place, Oldham still has no party with overall control.
Following meetings and discussions Chairs and Vice Chairs were allocated roles, on a political balance. Labour having won most seats, they were given first choice, cascading down to the other parties.
As has been muted, there were no deals, no brown envelopes, no secret meetings and no signing of any agreements, which would have put Reform in a dubious position. Naturally, as in all business, meetings did take place, but these were private, but not behind closed doors in secret, without them how could Oldham Council move forward. When trying to formulate a plan, in such difficult circumstances, interaction and communication with all interested parties, is essential.
Our decision to vote for the proposal, has been supported by the National Head of Local Government for Reform UK.
As is now in the public domain, Reform despite agreeing to the arrangement previously, had its sceptics, who chose to vote individually rather than with the party. This caused much disruption, as we as a group had voted democratically to support the proposal. Therefore we are looking in-house, to resolve this challenge going forward.
Reform Oldham, is a party in its infancy. I have no doubt that the Councillors elected last May, have your interests at heart. These have been unprecedented times, causing much disruption and confusion. However, nothing has changed in our Motto VOTE REFORM GET REFORM!
Keep the faith, stick with us and look forward to a better future in Oldham
Regards
Mark Wilkinson
