Former Tameside Council leader Roy Oldham dies

Roy Oldham led the council for 30 years

The former leader of Tameside Council, Roy Oldham, has died.

Mr Oldham, who had been battling cancer, passed away in hospital earlier at the age of 76.

The Labour veteran was the longest serving council leader in England, having led the Greater Manchester authority for 30 years.

In May, the party voted to replace Mr Oldham - who was first elected in May 1980 - with Droylsden East councillor Kieran Quinn.

Mr Oldham was re-elected as councillor for Longdendale at the recent local elections.

He was involved in the creation of the metropolitan borough council and in 2000 was awarded a CBE for his services to local government.