Oldham council leader blames Labour loss on Gaza war being 'exploited and manipulated by bad actors'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

After a dramatic election night, Labour has lost its overall majority in Oldham council for the first time in thirteen years.

The group saw seven seats go to independent candidates. Though they gained two seats in Hollinwood and Failsworth East, they were left with just 26 councillors when the final results were announced at 6am this morning.

The results meant they were far below the 31 councillors needed to maintain majority control of the council. Though predictions about the result circulated online for days before the polling signs went up, Labour’s own data failed to predict just how big the losses would be.

And many have suggested that the UK Labour leader’s stance on Gaza could be to blame - especially in wards such as St Mary’s, Alexandra and Coldhurst where there are large Asian and Muslim populations. READ MORE: All the overnight results in Greater Manchester as Labour loses seats with Gaza war a 'decisive' factor A number of independent candidates in these areas ran on ‘boycott Labour’ campaigns, while others used the colours of the Palestinian flag on their leaflets to show their support.