Labour takes control of the Council

The new Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Colin Lambert

The Labour Party have taken control of Rochdale Borough Council.

Councillor Colin Lambert has been named as the Leader of the Council and Councillor Peter Williams has been named as Deputy Leader of the Council.

The previous Liberal Democrat/Conservative coalition Council which had been running the Council since May collapsed when members of the Liberal Democrat party resigned over leadership concerns, subsequently leading to the resignation of Council Leader Councillor Irene Davidson.

Labour has 22 of the 60 Council seats and takes hold of the Council  with a minority administration, they will be relying on the support of the Conservatives and the Independents.

Councillor Colin Lambert said: “The mind is like a parachute – it only works when it is open. Let every one of the 60 members put aside their individual differences and enter this chamber with one goal, the delivery of services our people need and want.”

Councillor Lambert added: “It is no secret that I see the end of what I have described for a number of years as non jobs.

“We will be a caring and compassionate administration, with no more salami slicing of budgets. From today, a budget for today, planning for tomorrow.”

Councillor Lambert said by the third week in January the Labour party will publish their budget proposals in full.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick will be the cabinet member for partnerships, Councillor  Linda Robinson will the cabinet member for adult care and health, Councillor Farooq Ahmed will be the cabinet member for finance, Councillor Terry Linden will be the cabinet member for devolved and environment, Councillor Surinder Biant will be the cabinet member for children, schools and families and Councillor Peter Williams will be cabinet member for corporate management and economic regeneration.

The Cabinet has been reduced from nine members to seven. Councillor Lambert proposes to cut the payment of allowances to the minority opposition group leaders to 40 per cent of the Leader’s allowance. Councillor Lambert also proposes to remove the special responsibility allowances for opposition portfolio holders.

The Leader of the Conservative Party, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, said: “I think it is unfortunate that we didn’t have an agreement where all parties work together and have a cabinet with Councillors from all parties.

“I think that would have been the best way forward, but the Conservatives will work with the Labour group when the policies are sensible. We are all aware of the need to make drastic savings.

“We will only oppose those things that aren’t in the best interests of the borough.”

The acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Dale Mulgrew, said: Much has been made of the political events of the last few weeks. Most people, including myself, would not have anticipated that we were going to have a change in the Council's leadership before Christmas.

“The new and incoming Labour administration has some immediate challenges to face, and we expect them to reveal their alternative plans for the budget shortly.

“They still have time to change the Council's budget proposals, so they can respond to all those voices who are presently unhappy with the current suggestions.

“The Lib Dem Group will now look to constructively work as an effective opposition, focussed on the borough's priorities.

“Rochdale politics needs to move on from this chapter, and the Lib Dem group wants to contribute to ensure this happens successfully.”

The Leader of the Independent Alliance Party, Councillor Greg Couzens, said: “I admire Labour for taking the mantle in these very difficult times.

“From an Independent point of view we will work with Labour as close as we possibly can.

“From a financial perspective I will be of assistance in way I can – the offer is there.

“The interest has to be the future of the borough. There is a huge task ahead and we need to work together.”