Veteran Saddleworth councillor to retire after decades of service

Veteran Saddleworth councillor John Hudson has announced that he will retire at the end of his current term, after 50 years of service to the community. 

After a series of meetings, a new Tory leadership team has been appointed by the Conservative group on both Oldham Borough Council and Saddleworth Parish Council. 

Graham Sheldon will take over as Leader of the Conservatives on Oldham Borough Council, while Max Woodvine will lead the party group in Saddleworth and stand for the Saddleworth South vacancy in next May's scheduled elections.

Mossley-born Cllr Hudson, who is 81 years old, first stood for election in 1970 with the slogan 'Give youth a chance!' - which is what he will do when he hands over the reins to fellow parish councillor Max Woodvine. 

He has served as a borough councillor since the Millennium and as The Worshipful Mayor of Oldham in 2013/14. He was awarded an OBE in 2017 by the Queen for charitable and political service and holds the record for four terms as chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council - on which he has served for almost 50 years and will continue to represent the villages of Greenfield, Grasscroft, Lydgate and Friezland.

He is also the President of the Association of Conservative Clubs in the North West.

Cllr Hudson explained: "I have been impressed by Max’s work ethic and commitment during his time on the Parish Council so I am glad to pass the baton onto him. We need more young people in politics; he does a marvellous job. I call him the young man that is going to save Saddleworth." 

Cllr Woodvine, who has been selected to stand in the Saddleworth South seat and will act as a spokesman for the political party, said: “John has been a mentor, colleague and friend so far during my time in politics. He has had some wonderful achievements as a community and charity-minded man and has a special place in the hearts of people locally. He won’t be an easy act to follow!”

Leader-elect Cllr Sheldon (pictured below) said of his appointment: "I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting me and flattered by their confidence in my ability to lead them. We will work together to continue as a strong opposition to Labour providing an alternative option to the people of the Borough. We thank our dear friend and colleague Cllr Hudson for his service and support." 

Main image:

Councillors John Hudson (left) and Max Woodvine (right).