The Labour Party has lost control of Oldham Council, moving to no overall control, amid backlash from Muslim voters over the party's delayed call for a ceasefire in the Gaza-Israel conflict. Independent candidates gained significant ground, capturing 15 seats, an increase of six, while Labour's representation fell by four to 26 seats. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats each lost one seat, bringing their totals to eight. The issue of Gaza was a decisive factor in several wards, influencing the shift towards independent candidates. Meanwhile, Labour managed to retain control in other areas, including Exeter City Council, Leeds, and Calderdale.
Labour retains control of Calderdale Council https://t.co/tYOk1Oyecj
Labour retains overall control of Leeds https://t.co/USV2So0KYn
Labour regains control of council after 24 years https://t.co/mCJh6xxgf7
Labour loses control of Oldham Council https://t.co/LeN8rrneT5
Labour on shaky ground in West Mids... Insiders say backlash over Labour’s stance on the Gaza-Israel conflict could cost the (already v close) race due to some support being splintered off by an independent candidate campaigning on the issue of Gaza https://t.co/p2iFg5DdZE
Labour loses control of Oldham Council amid Gaza backlash as Muslim voters accuse party of taking too long to call for ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict https://t.co/EnQ2mMFzJ5 https://t.co/bVtp83joeu
Labour punished for its stance on Gaza in Oldham... Manchester Evening News reports: "Independent candidates beat Labour in several wards where the war in Gaza - and the party's stance on the conflict - is understood to have been a decisive factor." https://t.co/asQIhvSeXr
Labour retains control of Exeter City Council https://t.co/wyoh1ctEvj
🚨 Labour LOSE Oldham council to no overall control 🔴 LAB 26 (-4) ⚪️ IND 15 (+6) 🔵 CON 8 (-1) 🟠 LDEM 8 (-1)