Councillor Margaret Oldham

It is with great sadness and regret that Tameside Council announces the death of one of its leading councillors, Councillor Margaret Oldham.

Councillor Oldham, who was Executive Member for Co-ordination Services and the wife of Council Leader Cllr Roy Oldham, passed away on Sunday morning after taking ill on Saturday, and being admitted to Tameside General Hospital.

The Labour member for Newton, Hyde had served on the council since her election in 1995. She was appointed to the Cabinet in 1999 and expected the Ward to reselect her and then elect her for further service.

Her post as Executive Member for Co-ordination Services meant she was responsible for some of the authority’s largest and most complicated areas of work.

She led the development of information technology services. It was under Councillor Mrs Oldham’s guidance that the council’s website became the first fully interactive local authority website in the country, leading to a number of prestigious national awards. Only last Friday she launched with James Purnell, Tameside MP and Secretary of State for DWP, the nationally acclaimed “Tell Us Once” programme in Tameside’s Registration service for births, deaths and marriages.

Community Safety was also a major part of her responsibility, and again was a service area that received national recognition for innovation and excellence under her leadership. Through her contribution Tameside has seen some of the biggest reductions in crime across Greater Manchester in recent years.

Under her leadership co-ordination services excelled. Her development of an effective welfare rights advice service means many more Tameside families are getting the benefits they need. Councillor Oldham was instrumental in setting up Tameside’s Older People’s Partnership which has significantly improved the quality of life and access to services of many older people living in Tameside. Her drive for efficient services and better procurement saw the delivery of over £1 million of savings in the last few years and under her stewardship, Tameside was appointed as lead on efficiency on behalf of the whole North West.

Executive Leader Cllr Roy Oldham paid tribute to his wife, “I have lost a very dear wife and friend, and Tameside has lost a most excellent politician. She had absolute commitment and passion for the area and the people of Tameside. She has been a great support to me over the years and both my son, John and I are devastated by her loss, but comforted by the legacy that she has left.”

Chief Executive, Janet Callender said, "This is incredibly sad news, and our thoughts and sympathies are with the Leader, Councillor Roy Oldham, his son John, and their family at this difficult time. Councillor Margaret Oldham was a key member of Tameside's Executive Cabinet and undeniably one of the Council's most accomplished Councillors. She worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the people of Tameside and in particular the people of Newton, Hyde who she often described as “the best". I know she was looking forward to serving another term of office following the local elections in 2010. I am proud and honoured to have known her, as both a friend and a colleague, and I know she will be deeply missed by everyone. She leaves a great legacy of work behind her and there is no doubt that Tameside and the Council are much the poorer for her sudden and tragic death".

Funeral arrangements: Friday, 12th December 2008, at 11.00 am at St Michael & All Angels Church, Warhill, Mottram-in-Longdendale.

Alison Gilbody
tel: 0161 342 3061