The Greater Manchester town some say might be 'ungovernable'

Oldham council is said to be 'in chaos' as political groups jostle for leadership of the town hall after it went into no overall control following the local elections. Independents want to create a 'mega-coalition' to challenge Labour, which is trying to stay in charge with the support of councillors outside the party.

Labour, which went into the elections with a majority of just one, lost a total of four four seats (on top of losing a councillor who became an independent in the run-up to the polls), with eight more independent candidates bagging a place in the chamber. There are now 27 Labour councillors; 16 independents; nine Liberal Democrats; and eight Conservatives.

The council faces an uncertain immediate future, with some councillors and parties refusing to engage or cooperate. Many say they had 'no idea' what was coming as voter prepared to go to the polls.

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One source told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's making me think this town might be ungovernable." Labour remains the largest political group and continues to lead, but is short of a majority.

Bosses need the support of councillors outside Labour to get votes through and get business done. In an interview following the election, council leader Arooj Shah said: "We might not have overall control, but we are still in control. We are still the largest party.

"My message to all the opposition groups in Oldham is that now it's about coming together and putting the people of Oldham first."

Another Labour source said: "There's only one party that can offer stability in this town." Groups including the Lib Dems, The Oldham Group and Failsworth Independents have