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Police called as MP candidates clash in Oldham

The Labour Party’s Jim McMahon, who has served as Member of Parliament for Oldham West and Royton since December, 2015, has issued this statement in the past hour (21h45 24th June, 2024) following police intervention in clashes between rival canvassing groups.   “We’ve had some great experiences canvassing throughout the election campaign, and I am…

Neil Wilby
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The Labour Party’s Jim McMahon, who has served as Member of Parliament for Oldham West and Royton since December, 2015, has issued this statement in the past hour (21h45 24th June, 2024) following police intervention in clashes between rival canvassing groups.
 
“We’ve had some great experiences canvassing throughout the election campaign, and I am proud of our amazing team who have given so much time to help out especially when the local elections have only just taken place.
 
“We welcome robust exchanges, and voters will ask questions on many issues, some will be passionate, some frustrated, many (thankfully) positive about the work we’ve done to support local people too. Any campaign takes the rough with the smooth.
 
“But today was quite different as opponents, including a sitting councillor from “The Oldham Group”, made clear and persistent attempts over around 20 minutes to disrupt our scheduled canvass in Hollinwood.
 
“Be clear, this was not legitimate political discourse, nor was it the usual robust nature of elections. As far as I am concerned it was intended to disrupt the democratic process, intimidate canvassers, and to create anxiety and fear to prevent future campaigning.
 
“Despite the disruptive behaviour of those involved, I took the time to speak and engage. That was futile and met with a continuation of the disruption until eventually the police arrived.
 
“Those disrupting were not interested in dialogue, they were engaged in a campaign of political disruption and only wanted a scene to put on social media, and I’ve no doubt the content they filmed was quickly circulating.
 
“I’m thankful to neighbours who showed support though they shouldn’t have to see the street where they live turned into a circus.
 
“I am not willing to accept that any group of people can close down the legitimate political campaign of an opponent, create “no go” areas, or such a hostile environment that volunteers simply do no feel safe going out.
 
“I’ve been in and around Oldham politics for over 20 years. We will not be intimidated, nor run off the streets by anyone. Democracy matters too much for that.
 
“I call on the independent candidate backed by “The Oldham Group” [Zaffar Iqbal] to take immediate steps to expel those involved from his campaign and to make a clear and unambiguous statement condemning their actions.”
 

In footage of the incident, a number of men could be seen pulling up in cars from which six males emerged. A number of them surrounded Jim McMahon and his fellow Labour campaigners on the adjacent footpath.

One of the group that arrived by car was carrying a megaphone and several were filming on their phones

The men repeatedly chant ‘Shame on you’ at the Labour canvassers while throwing a barrage of questions at McMahon, mostly cabout his voting history on the Gaza conflict.

The MP candidate could be seen attempting to reply to the group, but is frequently drowned out by opposing voices.

He is then heard to say: ‘You can campaign how you like, but you cannot harass people’ as he attempted to distance himself from the confrontation.

The group follow him, yelling ‘you’re not welcome in Oldham’. 

Police were filmed arriving at the location but did not appear to take any action against the protest group, who claim they are ‘within their democratic right’. 

The Oldham Group, led by prominent Oldham businessman Cllr Kamran Ghafoor, were asked for comment as was the press office at Greater Manchester Police at the time of publication of this article.
 
UPDATE:

Cllr Abdul Wahid says: “Yesterday’s scenes would not have happened if [Jim McMahon] had not cancelled his surgeries, attended hustings and made himself accountable to his constituents.” 

The Oldham Group leader, Cllr Kamran Ghafoor, added: “An Oldham Group councillor, along with other concerned constituents, was present and attempted to ask questions.

“If Mr McMahon believes that being a career politician means avoiding scrutiny and being afraid to answer questions, then perhaps he should reconsider his role as an MP. ” 

 

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Page last updated: Wednesday 26th June, 2024 at 0755 hours

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Picture credit: Facebook/Jim McMahon

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One response to “Police called as MP candidates clash in Oldham”

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