Wigan Council chooses new leader as Reform claim they are an ‘adminstration in waiting’
Nazia Rehman has been elected to lead Wigan council at it’s annual general meeting.
The Labour councillor, who was elected to the council in 2016 and represents the Abram ward, becomes the borough’s first female leader.
Coun Rehman headed a poll of the council’s 42 Labour members last week, meaning she was put forward to lead Wigan council at Wednesday’s meeting.
In the local elections on May 7, Labour suffered catastrophic results in Wigan, failing to win a single seat.
Reform UK won 24 of the 25 wards up for grabs, with Independent Jamie Hodgkinson the only other winner in Atherton North.
Despite that, Labour retains control of the council, having 42 councillors to Reform’s 25.
Independents make up the remain eight spots in the council chamber.
Speaking at the meeting, the opposition leader, Coun Paul Watson of Reform likened Coun Rehman’s position in the light of the recent poll as "becoming captain of the Titanic after it had hit the iceberg.”
Among the members missing from the first council meeting was Robert Kenyon, who was elected as a councillor for the Bryn with Ashton-in-Makerfield North three weeks ago.
He has since been selected by Reform as their candidate in next month’s Makerfield by-election
At the two-and-a-half hour meeting on Wednesday (May 27), Coun Anne Collins was elected mayor of Wigan for 2026/27.
A vote of thanks was recorded for the previous council leader, David Molyneux, who represented Ince ward for 44 years until his decision to retire before the elections.
Speaking in support of Coun Rehman becoming leader, Coun Laura Flynn said: “Today is historic, 50 years we’ve had Wigan borough and this is the first time we’ve had a female leader.
“I’m proud of the group for selecting her and I’m proud of Nazia for everything she’s achieved so far in her career and what she will go on to achieve.
“She’s immensely capable and immensely experienced, regardless of her gender or ethnicity, which should be celebrated, we have got a fantastic leader of this borough.”
Reform’s Paul Watson said: “We won’t be supporting councillor Rehman’s nomination for executive leader.
“We find ourselves at a decisive turning point in our council’s history.
“The political balance is shifting, the public mood is changing.
“The people of this borough made their voices very clear which is why we now have 25 councillors.
“We may find ourselves in a very different position in 12 months time. We don’t just see ourselves as the official opposition but as the administration in waiting.”
Following her election Coun Rehman said: “Thank you to everybody who supported me and put their trust in me.
“I’m humbled honoured and privileged to be in this position. It’s huge role with huge challenges.
“There must be no doubt that the hard work begins now.”
Coun Rehman is a chartered certified accountant by profession.
In addition to being leader she will continue as portfolio holder for finance, resources and transformation.
She has also previously served as the lead member for community and family safety and represented the Wigan council on the Greater Manchester police and crime panel.