Rochdale Council loses leader

ROCHDALE Council’s leader Irene Davidson has stepped down following the resignation of six Liberal Democrate councillors last week.

Councillors Pat and Ted Flynn, Peter Davison, Doreen Brophy Lee, Barbara Todd and Naim Mahmood resigned last week in protest at the party’s leadership both nationally and locally.

The councillors, who will now sit as independents, had also raised objections to the party’s deselection of two candidates who were due to stand at next year’s local elections.

Rochdale Council had been led by a Lib Dem-Conservative coalition but following the resignations Labour is now the largest single party on the council.

A statement by the council confirmed that Davidson announced her resignation as leader “with immediate effect” yesterday, although she will continue her role as councillor for the Milnrow and Newhey Ward, which she has served for 19 years.

“The appointment of a new leader will be made at a future council meeting,” the council said.