Published: June 1, 2026 ⹠10:30 AM IST · Updated: June 1, 2026 ⹠12:24 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
âIdentity politics is tearing communities apartâ, the former leader of Oldham council has warned, in the week marking the 25th anniversary of race riots across the north of England.
Arooj Shah quit as leader of the Greater Manchester borough earlier in May, after the local elections left the council with no group in overall control.
Shah now fears the fragmentation of the vote in Oldham â with Labour losing to Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents â may lead to political deadlock in other parts of the country.
More than three weeks since the elections, the borough â which has 250,000 residents â is in political stalemate, with parties yet to agree leadership and terms on working together.
Shah said: âDivision is not what places like Oldham need.
Published June 1, 2026.
Quick Summary
âIdentity politics is tearing communities apartâ, the former leader of Oldham council has warned, in the week marking the 25th anniversary of race riots across
Why It Matters
This development is important because it may impact public opinion, policy decisions, and future developments related to Toxic identity politics âtearingâ us apart, says former Oldh.
Key Takeaways
âIdentity politics is tearing communities apartâ, the former leader of Oldham council has warned, in the week marking the 25th anniversary of race riots across the north of England.
Arooj Shah quit as leader of the Greater Manchester borough earlier in May, after the local elections left the council with no group in overall control.
Shah now fears the fragmentation of the vote in Oldham â with Labour losing to Reform UK and pro-Gaza independents â may lead to political deadlock in other parts of the country.
More than three weeks since the elections, the borough â which has 250,000 residents â is in political stalemate, with parties yet to agree leadership and terms on working together.
Shah said: âDivision is not what places like Oldham need.