Biographies of each Lib Dem candidate standing in Oldham

Here are the biographies for the Liberal Democrat candidates standing this year.

Martin Dinoff - Alexandra

Martin Dinoff has contested a number of previous elections, and he is a former Councillor for Alexandra Ward. He lives within the ward and has a personal interest in seeing the improvement of the local environment. Martin has worked in Information Technology within the NHS for over 20 years.

When he was on the Council, Martin concerned himself with scrutinising the workings of the Council and with planning issues. Martin wants to see a better environment, both locally with less fly-tipping, and globally with more use of green and renewable energy.

Martin Dinoff (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Abdul Malik - Chadderton Central

Abdul Malik is a local businessman who has a car maintenance business in Failsworth. He has been a Youth Worker in the Werneth area and has worked with voluntary organisations for over 30 years, including Oldham Race Equality Council, and the Werneth & Freehold Community Development Project.

Abdul says “In my work with young people from different backgrounds I have tried to encourage their interest in education and career development as well as their involvement in sports and other positive activities. I believe that equality and diversity must be at the centre of our objectives in developing our local neighbourhoods.

"I take an active interest in civic affairs in Oldham, and I want to improve the local facilities for all residents of the borough.”

Abdul Malik (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Dominic Cadman – Chadderton North

I’m a Service Sales Manager working in the renewable energy industry, which I’ve worked in for twelve years.

I’ve lived in Chadderton North the past four years and have always had a keen interest in the local area that my family and I live in.

It’s important to me that local people have a voice in their local council and views are heard and acted upon.

Dominic Cadman (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Mick Scholes – Chadderton South

An experienced campaigner and activist, I bring the core values of Liberal Democracy – individual freedom; respect for others; care for the planet and the alleviation of poverty – to the running of Oldham Council. 

As a successful business owner, I know financial competence and investing for the future are key for our town, as is putting in the hard work to make it happen.

A lifelong environmentalist, I know projects such as better home insulation, local renewable energy schemes and care for the health our local community all go hand in hand and are vital to a creating better Chadderton. They are not luxuries, as Labour think.

Michael Scholes (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Rachel Pendlebury - Coldhurst

Rachel Pendlebury has lived in the inner areas of Oldham all her life, and she is the mother of one daughter. She has worked in the printing industry, the NHS, and with young children; more recently she has worked in customer services for an international food delivery company.

Rachel wants to see better community facilities, and improved street maintenance. She also strongly believes in different local communities working together, and will work with all the communities of Coldhurst to improve the area for everyone.

Rachel believes that Coldhurst needs to be represented in Oldham Council by more than one political party – that this would be better for democracy and it would benefit the people of the ward.

Rachel Pendlebury (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Diane Williamson – Crompton

Diane Williamson has been a councillor for Crompton for over a decade, and topped the polls in 2021, which is testament to her hard work and commitment to the area.

The new health centre taking shape in Shaw is evidence of that hard work, which was achieved through all of the Liberal Democrat councillors in Shaw and Crompton insisting on its importance, and delivering crucial facilities for the area.

She said: “In our town centre it is vital we bring empty buildings back into use, support and improve our market, work for more quality retail and leisure businesses to come to Shaw to make it even more special.

“A priority for me has been working with residents to keep them safe, helping them to set up Homewatch schemes, getting the area cleaner, helping with community clean ups; and working with organisations and community groups to help all residents.”

Diane Williamson (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Barbara Beeley – Failsworth East

An experienced former borough and current parish councillor, Barbara Beeley is committed to improving Oldham constructively. 

Currently heavily involved in neighbourhood planning, she believes that creating a platform for local people to decide what should happen in their area is crucial to local improvements.

Barbara Beeley (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Lynne Thompson – Failsworth West

A former borough councillor for the Liberal Democrats in Oldham, Lynne Thompson was the finance lead responsible for turning around the Council's finances when the Liberal Democrats ran the Council from 2008–11.

She is equally at home dealing with finances and business, or getting stuck in to fixing local problems such as potholes and fly-tipping; she believes in delivering what the community needs. 

Lynne Thompson (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Roger Blackmore – Hollinwood

Although the Conservative Government is continuing to reduce funding for essential local services, I believe that Councils should be run efficiently and get best value-for-money for Council taxpayers.

Listening to issues people raise on the doorstep makes me determined to help improve their lives. However, Liberal Democrat proposals to invest more in the Youth Service, street repairs and looking after our green spaces were voted down by Labour, the same councillors who reduced Oldham’s environmental team by 30.

The shortage of genuinely affordable housing keeps being raised by people I meet. We must expand social housing rapidly to meet well-documented local needs in Hollinwood and across the Borough.

I welcome the new arrangements which have given Oldham Council the task of jointly overseeing and helping to improve the performance of the Northern Care Alliance which is responsible for hospitals and community services. This is another achievement of local Liberal Democrats.

Roger Blackmore (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Shona Farnworth – Medlock Vale

Hiya, my name is Shona. I am 34 years old I have a positive outlook on life despite sometimes being faced with many different obstacles due to living with my various disabilities. I like to think I'm able to overcome most barriers in my way.

I live mostly independently with my husband and team of carers that assist me with daily tasks and to access the community my husband also helps with my care as a unpaid carer. I was born with cerebral palsy and got Epilepsy when I was around 16 years old

I like to be active I'm a peer mentor for a disability charity that helps people with different disabilities. I'm part a choir and I've performed at a number of events such as Oldham Pride.

I would like to become a councillor because I feel I would be able to help people in different communities. I feel I will understand people as I'm a good listener, and I want to be a voice to those people who feel their not being heard.

I would like to help take away some of the obstacles people face. I just want to help make a positive difference.

Shona Farnworth (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Jeff Garner – Royton North

Oldham-born Jeff has a lifetime interest in the protection of the environment.

He worked for DEFRA, co-ordinating the promotion and championing of best practice in biodiversity, protection of the countryside and sustainable green economy.

He opposes any detrimental development of the Green Belt, supporting the best use of Brownfield sites first. He is also passionate about providing affordable housing.

Oldham Liberal Democrats (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Tom Penketh – Royton South

As the youngest Parish Councillor ever elected last year, I am dedicated to enhancing Royton South.

My experience and passion drive me to stand again in Royton, aiming to improve the area and create new opportunities for residents. With a history of neglect from previous councillors, Royton needs a fresh perspective to fuel positive change. The support I received in the last election demonstrates the community's desire for a new force in local leadership.

Let's bring Royton to its rightful position with a youthful, energetic approach to governance.

Tom Penketh (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Garth Harkness – Saddlewworth North

My name is Garth and I have had the privilege of having over a decade of experience as a local councillor. I live in Dobcross and I am a secondary school teacher. I have taught maths and now run a provision for autistic young people. Education is a key priority of mine.

I have been campaigning for years to protect our green spaces and this is going to become even more important as the new Manchester “Places for Everyone” plan is imminent.

I have campaigned for better local health provisions and our team has received two awards. Much more is needed on this and I want to work hard to improve the local offer.

As a local councillor dealing with the issues residents bring to us is important and getting things fixed such as damaged highways, street lighting and street signs. When we speak to residents road safety is a key priority and this will continue to be a priority.

Garth Harkness (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

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Biographies of every Labour candidate standing in the local elections this year

Biographies of every Conservative candidate standing in the local elections this year

Biographies of every Green candidate standing in the local elections this year

Biographies for Independent and non-mainstream party candidates in election

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Amy Wrigley – Saddleworth South

Amy Wrigley is well known in the community, having worked with young people at the Satellite Centre in Greenfield for a number of years. Elected to the Parish Council in 2023, she has already made her mark with a commitment to get a banking hub for the area, which is desperately under-served by banks. 

She said: "I have the pleasure of working with many wonderful people in our community, listening to their opinions and hopes for Saddleworth South. In particular, I work with young people who are often excluded, helping them to enjoy themselves in a positive way. And it's time to give priority to Saddleworth's young people who want to live and work here but can't find an affordable home to bring up a family. We also need better services for older and vulnerable people.

"I want to make sure youth and family services are easily accessible for people in Saddleworth. Only the Lib Dems are fighting to keep our local Childrens’ Centre; and working hard for a new health centre to provide a wider range of services than just a GP surgery.

"We’re protecting our precious green spaces and rivers and continue to call for our area to pull out of the controversial Greater Manchester Places for Everyone scheme. Building luxury houses on the greenbelt does not solve the housing crisis.

"We’ve already delivered in recent campaigns – persuading Oldham Council to agree to 20mph outside schools to make them safer, campaigning for years to make Network Rail agree to fund proper access to Greenfield Station for people with prams or wheelchairs, and working with the new River Ranger team to clean up our local rivers."

Amy Wrigley (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Mark Kenyon – Saddleworth West and Lees

Trusted local councillor Mark Kenyon is standing again to continue his work as local councillor for Grotton, Springhead and Lees.

Mark said: “It has been an absolute privilege serving my area for the last three years, and while I am delighted to be able to see the improvements I have been able to help deliver, I have unfinished business that I fully intend to see through.

“Road safety improvements on Stamford Road are due to be delivered this summer, and the school streets scheme we have constantly fought for is nearing a reality too

“I have also been working hard to get better health services – we know how difficult it is for people to get appointments. That’s why we worked so hard to keep the GP practice in Greenfield. I’m committed to making better use of the facilities we have, and getting new services for Saddleworth too. 

“Whether it’s the day-to-day issues that local people just want fixing, better support for our community groups, of fighting for our green spaces – I have delivered before, and am committed to delivering again. I hope you can support me on 2nd May.”

Mark Kenyon (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Hazel Gloster – Shaw

Hazel Gloster has represented Shaw with pride since she was first elected in 2018. She is proud of the record of delivery that she has in Shaw, with the most recent success being the new health centre being built in the centre of the town. 

She said: "I do the very best I can for our community, the place I live and have brought up my family. I am out and about all-year-round, speaking to people, seeing their problems first hand and trying to get something done about them.

“Our strength in Shaw is our community.  I work with many groups of volunteers committed to making life better for everyone, be that young people or our older residents who need help not negativity.”

Hazel Gloster (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Roger Hindle – St James

Roger is an experienced councillor, who represented St James ward for 18 years between 1996 and 2014. A former credit controller, now retired, he is now standing for election again. 

During this time he was Chairman of the Planning Committee, the Traffic Regulation Order Panel and East Oldham Area Committee, and Shadow Cabinet Member for Housing & Environment. He was also the Council representative on Oldham Coliseum Board, First Choice Homes Board and Oldham Community Leisure Board.

He is married with a grown-up daughter and step-daughter.

Mark Hindle (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Mohammed Hussain - St Mary's 

Mohammed Hussain is standing in St Mary’s Ward for the second time. He has been a self-employed wedding planner for the past 30 years. Mohammed is a former badminton player, and still keeps himself fit. He enjoys travel and experiencing new places.

Mohammed wants to see the environment of St Mary’s improved, with cleaner streets and areas. He believes that the Council needs to provide constant action to keep on top of the situation. If elected he will work to ensure that St Mary’s Ward (and Oldham generally) is a better place to live.

Mohammed Hussain (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Joe Beeston – Waterhead

I live in the heart of Waterhead with my fiancé and new-born son.

I am passionate about focusing on issues that matter to people and I have heard about the state of our roads, the fly tipping and rubbish, and the lack of investment in the area yet all the money being poured into the town centre. Also since the new Bee Network has happened our buses have been so infrequent or no shows – it's poor!

If you vote for me I will fight for your corner and be your community champion all year round not just at election time.

Joe Beeston (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

Hamza Uddin – Werneth

I am standing for Werneth ward this year as a Liberal Democrat candidate.

I have been involved in politics since 2010, as I involved so many social activities like donating blood, organising food for the homeless, helping cancer research, and with St John Ambulance. I love to involved with community work in the same way I involved in politics. As a human being it’s my duty to help people!

Why choose Liberal Democrats? This the only party that are working for the people.

Hamza Uddin (Image: Oldham Liberal Democrats)

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Biographies are yet to be provided for Martin Dinoff (Alexandra), Malik Rahman Abdul (Chadderton Central), Rachel Pendlebury (Coldhurst) and Mohammed Hussain (St Mary's).