Probe into claim town hall talks secretly recorded

It has been claimed a private meeting was secretly recorded and the audio shared on social media

Allegations that a private political meeting was secretly recorded and shared on social media are under investigation.

Oldham Council is probing claims that a member of the Liberal Democrat group recorded a meeting involving the council's Labour leader Arooj Shah, officers and other politicians.

Rival parties have been in talks to decide who will take power.

The Lib Dems said they would not comment during the investigation.

'Immediate suspension'

Oldham Council said it had contacted Greater Manchester Police and would be "undertaking a full investigation into the circumstances of this recording, including reviewing CCTV footage."

A spokesperson for Oldham Labour Group said they demanded the "immediate suspension of all involved from the Liberal Democrat Group".

“Anyone who covertly records private and confidential meetings or conversations undermines the core principles of honesty and integrity essential in public office,” the spokesperson said.

The Labour group, which has run Oldham Council for the past 13 years, is four councillors short of an overall majority.

Despite losses in the local elections, Labour is still the largest single party in Oldham, and has been negotiating with independent councillors in a bid to remain in power.

The Lib Dems have been working with the Conservatives and other independents to try to put together a coalition to take control of the council.

"We respect the council's investigation into this and will comment further once that is concluded," a Lib Dem spokesperson said.

The council’s annual meeting to determine who will take over leadership of the council will be held later.