Oldham bosses admit protester dragged out of council chambers ‘should never have happened’

An incident that occurred at the budget meeting last week ‘should never have happened’, Oldham bosses decided at a private meeting on Wednesday, March 6.

The council leader, executives and heads of opposition parties condemned the “disproportionate” reaction, where a protester was dragged out of the council chambers by three security guards.  

Leader of the Oldham Liberal Democrats Howard Sykes, who attended the meeting, told the LDRS: “I’ve received an assurance that what happened at the meeting will never happen again, which I’m very glad of.” 

The assurance came from chief executives, claims Cllr Sykes. 

The protester interrupted a budget vote on February 28 when he stood up in the public gallery and called on King Charles to step in for a ceasefire in Gaza. He made derogatory comments about a number of sitting councillors, which were described as “crude” and “threatening” by some of those present. 

Deputy Mayor Eddie Moores, who was chairing the meeting, called for the man to be removed. As three security guards approached the man, the protester refused to settle down and raised his hands up defensively. 

The guards proceeded to drag, push and carry him from the room. 

The deputy mayor was later criticised by Lib Dem leader Howard Sykes and council leader Arooj Shah for allowing the “manhandling” of a member of the public. In the past incidents like this, the council have just adjourned the meeting or move rooms.

The leader’s meeting called to address the situation reportedly concluded with an ‘open conversation’, encouraging all party members to avoid ‘stirring up emotions’ and keep a civil atmosphere in the chambers. The discussion was held ahead of a Full Council meeting next week with a jam-packed agenda of hotly debated issues – from the Oldham Coliseum to calls for a no confidence vote. 

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We are absolutely committed to hosting every Council meeting in an environment that is welcoming, secure and safe for all attendees; and everyone present at meetings should be treated with courtesy and respect. 

“I am glad to be working with leaders from all parties to ensure this is the case, and that any necessary response to interruptions of proceedings is proportionate and respectful.”