Kamran Ghafoor, leader of the Oldham Group and independent councillor for Hollinwood ward, discovered his black Ferrari severely damaged in what he calls 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 election count venue. Repair costs are estimated at least £10,000, leaving Ghafoor in significant debt.
Ghafoor’s Reaction to the Attack
The 49-year-old councillor believes the incident stems from his outspoken views on local governance. “I thought some idiots had just smashed up my vehicle because we gave them opposition. I automatically assumed it was a political vendetta,” Ghafoor stated. He added, “I do believe I am a target. There are a lot of nutters out there, and because I am quite vocal in what I believe, and how I think Oldham should be run, I have become a target over the past two years.”
Ghafoor, the only person in Oldham driving a black Ferrari with his distinctive private registration plate held since age 18, purchased the car last August using personal wealth from his property business owning over 100 units. The damage includes a smashed windscreen and a dented bonnet. He faces online threats via TikTok from individuals linked to Labour and Reform parties, including personal attacks questioning his motives for entering politics.
The father of four denies profiting from his role, noting he donates his £12,000 annual councillor allowance to charities. He expresses deep concerns for his family’s safety, stating, “I don’t believe people understand how far this goes and the toll this has on my children. Other children in their school see these videos and they try to bully my children.”
Recent Local Election Shifts
The attack coincides with Oldham’s fractured local elections, where Reform Party secured a strong presence, gaining seats in white working-class areas like Failsworth East. The Oldham Group, campaigning for a dedicated Muslim cemetery among other issues, won 10 seats by attracting former Labour Muslim voters. Labour lost nine seats, dropping to 18, prompting leader Arooj Shah to resign. Liberals hold six seats, Conservatives four; 31 seats are needed for council control out of 60 total.
Oldham Group’s Key Pledges
The Oldham Group focuses on expanding council bulk waste removals, opposing Labour’s proposed fines for pavement parking in the town center, and establishing a Muslim cemetery.
Broader Context of Tensions
Oldham grapples with a history of racial tensions, including 2001 race riots and investigations into child sexual exploitation cases involving gangs, disproportionately of Asian heritage. Reports indicate these issues were not fully probed initially due to fears of inflaming divisions, as the town’s white population fell from 91% in 1991 to 68% today. In 2024, calls for a statutory inquiry by rape victims and councillors were rejected by Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, drawing criticism including from Elon Musk.
Pattern of Vehicle Vandalism
This incident follows prior attacks on vehicles owned by Oldham Group candidate Shah Bahram, Labour councillor Jeremy Charters, and former council leader Arooj Shah, whose car was set alight in 2021.
Ghafoor’s Political Journey
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, then built his property empire before returning as a Conservative. He left the party over a diversity training requirement after joining a 2023 pro-Palestinian march. Now aligned with George Galloway, he describes himself as “a Muslim first, a family man, and a conservative in mindset—a capitalist but with a social conscience.” Months ago, a King Street building owned by his firm KKS Investors collapsed, injuring five people.
