Kamran Ghafoor, leader of the Oldham Group and independent councillor for Hollinwood ward, returned from an election count to find his black Ferrari severely damaged in what he describes as a targeted political attack. The vandalism occurred around 2 a.m. on May 8, while the vehicle was parked on Union Street, just minutes from the counting location. Repairs are estimated at least £10,000, leaving Ghafoor in significant debt.
The Vandalism Incident
Ghafoor, 49, immediately suspected foul play. “I thought some idiots had just smashed up my vehicle because we gave them opposition. I automatically assumed it was a political vendetta,” he stated. He believes his vocal stance on local issues has made him a target over the past two years. “I do believe I am a target. There are a lot of nutters out there,” Ghafoor added.
The damage includes a shattered windscreen and a dented bonnet. Ghafoor, the only owner of a black Ferrari with a distinctive private registration plate in Oldham, purchased the car last August using personal funds from his property business, which manages over 100 properties.
Election Results and Local Politics
The attack coincides with recent local elections in Oldham, marked by shifting political dynamics. Ghafoor’s Oldham Group, campaigning for a dedicated Muslim cemetery among other pledges, secured strong support from former Labour voters. The party gained two seats, contributing to Labour’s loss of nine councillors. Labour leader Arooj Shah subsequently stepped down.
Control of the 60-seat council requires 31 seats. Labour now holds 18, Reform UK 16 (up from three), Oldham Group 10, Liberal Democrats six, and Conservatives four. Reform UK dominated in white working-class areas like Failsworth East.
The Oldham Group’s key pledges include expanding council bulk waste removals, opposing fines for pavement parking in the town center, and establishing a Muslim cemetery.
Oldham’s Tense History
Oldham faces ongoing challenges, including racial tensions, past race riots in 2001, grooming gang investigations, and disinformation on social media. The town’s white population has declined from 91% in 1991 to 68% today. Multiple probes have highlighted child sexual exploitation cases involving disproportionate numbers of men of Asian heritage, with critics arguing fears of racial unrest delayed full scrutiny.
In 2024, calls for a statutory inquiry by rape victims and councillors were rejected by Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who declined government intervention. This drew international attention, including criticism from Elon Musk.
Ghafoor’s Background and Concerns
Ghafoor, a father of four and self-described “Muslim first,” has faced online threats on platforms like TikTok from candidates across parties, including Labour and Reform. He reports personal attacks questioning his motives and finances, which he denies, noting he donates his £12,000 councillor allowance to charities.
Previous incidents include vandalism of vehicles owned by Oldham Group candidate Shah Bahram, Labour councillor Jeremy Charters, and a 2021 arson attack on then-leader Arooj Shah’s car. Ghafoor expresses deep concerns for his family’s safety: “I don’t believe people understand how far this goes and the toll this has on my children.” He notes bullying of his children at school due to online videos.
Born and raised in Oldham to a Kashmiri mill worker father, Ghafoor began as a student activist, became one of Manchester’s youngest Labour councillors, built a property empire, served as a Conservative, and now aligns with figures like George Galloway. He parted ways with Conservatives over a diversity training requirement after a 2023 pro-Palestinian march, identifying as “a Muslim, a family man, and a conservative in mindset—a capitalist with a social conscience.”
