Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, has been formally appointed as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Oldham, the highest civic honour the Council can bestow.
Councillor Dr Chauhan becomes the 28th person to receive the honour and the first Asian person to be appointed Honorary Freeman in Oldham’s history. The appointment recognises his exceptional and long-standing service to the borough, its communities, and public life.
The official ceremony took place on Saturday at 11am in the Council Chamber, attended by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Brian Hobin, the Chief Executive, Mrs Shelley Kipling, and the Monitoring Officer, Mr Alex Bougatef.
Councillor Dr Chauhan has served as a councillor for the Alexandra ward since 2013 and represented Oldham as Mayor during the municipal years 2023 to 2025. Alongside his role as a practising local GP, he has provided leadership across health and social care, overseen the borough’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and led nationally recognised work supporting people experiencing homelessness, including founding Homeless Friendly in 2017.
Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE said: “To receive this honour from a place I have dedicated so much of my life to is a moment of great pride. Oldham has shaped both my personal and professional journey, and to be appointed Honorary Freeman by the borough I have served for many years means a great deal.
“Being the first Asian person to receive this honour in Oldham makes this milestone even more meaningful. It reflects the borough’s commitment to inclusion, service and opportunity, and I am proud to share this recognition with the communities I serve.”
Cllr Eddie Moores, The Mayor of Oldham, said: “Dr Zahid Chauhan’s appointment as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Oldham is richly deserved. His long-standing commitment to public service, healthcare leadership and social justice has had a lasting impact on our borough and its communities.
“This honour recognises not only his exceptional contribution to Oldham, but also the values of compassion, fairness and dedication that he has consistently demonstrated in service to residents.”
