Neil Wilby Media

In a municipal year set to end next week there have been very few bright spots for the politicians, of all persuasions, that sit on troubled Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council.

Dogged by scandal after scandal, many of them broken exclusively on this Neil Wilby Media website, the low water mark was actually a personal tragedy whose ripples were felt not just in the Civic Centre where she was based as Mayoress, but by an outpouring of grief that touched every corner of the Borough and beyond.

The late Afsheen Chauhan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer early in her term of office and died at the age of just 45 years, on 27th March this year, leaving behind her husband, Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, the sitting Mayor and three young children.

The comments of Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of Oldham Council, reflected the thoughts of so many:

“We are incredibly sorry to hear the news about the Mayoress, Afsheen.

“While Afsheen was taken ill early on in Cllr Chauhan’s time as Mayor, she bravely continued to support him in his role until the end – a true reflection of her kind and dedicated character.

“Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to the Mayor and his three children at this very difficult time, and they are all in our thoughts.”

At the time, Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, added: “I’m really saddened to hear of the passing of my much-loved family friend of many years, Afsheen.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Zahid and their dear children at this difficult time.”

From the devastation of that passing has emerged one of the few Oldham Council high spots in the current year: Promoted by Cllr Shah, who is also Leader of the Oldham Labour Party, it was provisionally agreed by Group Leaders of the other political parties, at a Civic Centre meeting on 27th February, 2024, that Dr Chauhan will serve for a second term as Mayor.

Whilst the political make-up of the Council, after the votes in next week’s local elections are counted, is expected to push it into ‘no overall control’, it would need a sequence of cataclysmic results to deny Dr Chauhan another year as first citizen.

As a mark of great respect to Afsheen, it has been agreed that there will be no Mayoress next year.

If he survives what is expected to be a torrid poll in his Chadderton North ward, Cllr Eddie Moores, will continue in his role as Deputy Mayor.

The main functions of a Borough Mayor can vary depending on the specific authority and the local government structure in place. However, the common functions include:

Ceremonial Duties: The Borough Mayor often serves as the ceremonial figurehead of the borough, representing the local authority at official events, ceremonies, and functions.

Chairing Council Meetings: The Borough Mayor typically chairs meetings of the full council, ensuring that discussions are conducted according to the rules of procedure and that decisions are made in a democratic manner.

Promoting the Borough: The Borough Mayor may act as an ambassador for the borough, promoting its interests, attractions, and economic development opportunities to residents, businesses, and visitors.

Community Engagement: Engaging with local residents, community groups, and stakeholders to understand their concerns, gather feedback, and advocate for their interests within the council.

Supporting Charitable Causes: The Borough Mayor often supports charitable causes and community initiatives, attending fundraising events, volunteering, and raising awareness of important issues.

Upholding Civic Traditions: Participating in civic ceremonies, traditions, and rituals that celebrate the history and heritage of the borough, such as civic parades, awards ceremonies, and commemorative events.

Page last updated: Sunday 28th April, 2024 at 1305 hours

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