The news was confirmed by Buckingham Palace at 6.30pm yesterday, following an earlier announcement that doctors 

The statement said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

The loss of the monarch, who reigned for 70 years, was met with an outpouring of grief from local political leaders, residents and organisations. 

Oldham Council leader Amanda Chadderton described the Queen as a "titan of public service" with an "unparalleled" dedication to the British people and wider Commonwealth.

A statement from Oldham Council said the local authority was "deeply saddened" by the death adding: “We were honoured to have been visited by Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions during her reign, and our Queen Elizabeth Hall was so-named after being built to mark the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

"Our new town centre park is also set to be named in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee."

The council said it would be opening a number of Books of Condolence at Council buildings across the borough, and people are invited to sign these to pay their respects.

A national condolence online book is also available to sign at www.royal.uk.

As a mark of respect the Union Flag has been lowered to half-mast at all council buildings.

The mayor will be reading out the Proclamation of the new King on the steps of Oldham Parish Church at 1.30pm on Saturday, and members of the public are invited to attend.

Oldham's other political parties also paid tribute, with the Oldham Liberal Democrats thanking Her Majesty for "a lifetime of service".

The Oldham Conservative Party and Oldham Conservative Councillors issued a statement saying: “It is with deep sorrow that we, like the people of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham share in the grief at the announcement of the death of our sovereign, HM Queen Elizabeth II by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

“Oldham Conservative Party has ceased all political campaigning and has entered the relevant period of mourning."

Outside of politics The Bluecoat School tweeted pupils and staff were 'devastated' by the Queen's death, and Oldham Athletic tweeted: "The club joins the nation in mourning her loss and we send our thoughts and sincere condolences to the Royal Family."