Police called as two Tory councillors square up

Police officers turned up to a council meeting after an "explosive" argument between councillors of different political groups and the public.

The Oldham Council meeting was adjourned after a heated debate centred around the "controversial" Places for Everyone housing scheme.

Tensions rose to the point that members of the public and councillors were hurling abuse at each other and the acting borough solicitor, including references to "dictators" and "Nazi sympathisers".

Oldham Mayor Zahid Chauhan called for an adjournment to Wednesday evening's meeting but the conflict did not end there.

A riot van and police cars were pictured outside the council building. It is thought police had also been called to a protest gathering outside.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Greater Manchester Police for clarification on whether the riot van was connected to the incident inside the chamber or the protest.

Councillors had been discussing the scheme, which will see councils across Greater Manchester allocate land for homes over the next 15 years.

However, there are calls for Oldham to pull to protect the green belt.

During the meeting's break, an argument arose between the deputy of the Oldham Conservatives Lewis Quigg and the Conservative leader Graham Sheldon. Quigg could be heard saying "I quit this party. You no longer have any say over me".

Sheldon approached him and both councillors could then be seen squaring up to each other, with Quigg seen pushing Sheldon. The two men were separated by other Conservative councillors surrounding them.

Police were called and the meeting remained adjourned for an hour and 45 minutes, while officers took statements and political groups convened in private rooms to discuss how to move forward.

Once the meeting had resumed, councillors involved in the "aggressive behaviour" shown throughout the meeting were asked to apologise. But after Quigg refused to do so, the meeting was suspended.

Council leader, Labour's Arooj Shah, told the chamber: "Shame on all of us for allowing this behaviour to continue and grow and stand here to proclaim we represent the people of the borough and their best interest when we conduct ourselves like this."

Greater Manchester Police has been approached for details.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected] and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.