Oldham has come under the microscope in recent years for a political melodrama that has seen three successive leaders dethroned amid swirling social media conspiracy theories.
Its politics has frequently been branded as ‘toxic’, and most recently described as ‘definitely something that’s not right or normal’ by its current leader.
Political heads of Oldham council have experienced death threats and regular abuse, while councillors described being called 'paedos' by people on the doorstep and social media pile-ons which also targeted family and friends. Two years ago a leader's car was fire-bombed outside her home.
