Oldham Council faces a leadership stalemate after Reform UK refused to form a coalition to take control, despite being the second-largest party following local elections.

Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah (Labour) will step down on May 20 after Labour lost 8 seats in the May 7 local election, while Reform UK — now the second-largest group with 16 councillors — has refused to form a coalition, leaving the council in political deadlock.