Richard Farnell, twice leader of Rochdale Borough Council, has died

Date published: 20 August 2021

Former council leader, Richard Farnell, has died aged 62.

It is understood Mr Farnell died suddenly at home.

Mr Farnell was first elected onto Rochdale Council as a councillor for Newbold ward in 1980. He became the leader of the Labour group in 1985 and took control of the council in 1986.

In 1992, Labour lost control of the council and Mr Farnell lost his seat. He returned to the council as ward councillor for Balderstone and Kirkholt in 2012.

After a gap of 22 years, Mr Farnell challenged former councillor Colin Lambert for leadership of the party and subsequently was re-elected as leader of the council in 2014.

Mr Farnell was succeeded by Councillor Allen Brett as leader of the Rochdale Borough Council and the Labour party in December 2017. He had stepped down from his role under pressure after his controversial evidence to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). He was later suspended from the Labour party and remained serving as an independent ward councillor until May this year, when he stepped down.

Mr Farnell was also a trained journalist and communications professional, working on several newspapers throughout the North West during his career. He became an editor of the Lancashire Telegraph when print media was still in its prime.

He then went on to be head of the cabinet office at Tameside Council, working for the longest serving leader in British history, Roy Oldham, before becoming chief of staff at Liverpool City Council, where he ran the press office. Mr Farnell was also an advisor to the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson.

Tributes have been paid to the late council leader by his former Rochdale Council colleagues.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “This is a very sad day for me personally and professionally. I first met Richard in the 1980's when I was cutting my teeth politically. Over the subsequent four decades, I was proud to be a friend and colleague. He was always a source of support, inspiration and advice to me.

“Richard was an innovative thinker, instrumental in driving forward real change. He leaves behind a legacy of improvements that will stand the test of time. He always recognised the need for major regeneration projects, to create jobs and investment, helping the borough to grow in both his spells as leader.

“He also had a keen eye for delivering good quality public services, the bread and butter issues that matter most to our residents. If you look around the borough today and see our high quality parks, clean streets, award winning services, flourishing town centres and major regeneration projects, they all form part of Richard’s legacy and vision. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Former council leader Allen Brett said: “This is extremely sad news and a very emotional and difficult day for me.

“We went back a long way and worked closely together over many years. Richard was always a visionary leader, radical thinker and a man who led our borough with great energy and drive, ensuring we never stood still. He was always someone with a keen eye for innovative ideas and he is someone who will be greatly missed.”

Leader of the local Conservative party, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, said: "My deepest sympathy to Richard's family and friends on his very untimely death; he's in my thoughts and prayers.

"I worked with Richard on and off for 40 years and was well aware of the care that he had for the borough.

He added: "Richard wanted to ensure that the borough was respected. He had little time for talk and strategy and policy documents – he wanted to see action. I remember many conversations we had on issues which we shared similar views on priorities for the town.

"I was always struck by his passion for civic pride. He wanted our towns, villages and streets to look good, not just for the people of the borough, but also to showcase our achievements to other local authorities. Richard delivered on his promises, ensuring our streets were cleaned, graffiti removed, parks looked after. It was little wonder we won so many awards and that for me is Richard’s lasting legacy."

Councillor John Blundell said: “I was absolutely distraught to hear the news this morning; Rochdale and Greater Manchester has lost a towering figure of political life. I certainly owe him my political career and I have lost one of my most significant mentors in life. My thoughts are with his family, but this is a major blow to me too. 

“He achieved a great deal in his life. Because he returned to politics in Rochdale in 2012, he is Rochdale’s longest serving council leader. 

His constituents thought a great deal of him because of his work and he was always on the public’s side. He has done a great deal for the town. 

“Richard loved Rochdale and many in Rochdale loved Richard.”

Councillor Andy Kelly, leader of the local Liberal Democrats has also paid tribute to Mr Farnell, saying: "It's no secret that Richard and I didn't always see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues, but I defend his democratic right to freedom of speech, which is so vital. My sympathies are with his friends and family."

Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow said: “I would like to extend my sympathy to Richard’s family and those close to him at this very unexpected and sad news.

“Richard was the leader when I was appointed and we worked closely to deliver many of the borough’s transformational regeneration projects. He was passionate about the borough, about delivering good quality public services for our residents and driving forward vital projects.

“From day one I was struck about how proud he was of the place he grew up and lived in. He always saw the big picture and had a tenacious ambition to move the borough forward. The Rochdale of today and tomorrow will benefit from his legacy.”

Councillor Aasim Rashid, Mayor of Rochdale, said: “Richard was always a great friend and comrade, someone I respected greatly and a fantastic community worker who knew how to deliver high quality services for our residents. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and sympathies are extended to Richard’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Tony Lloyd, Member of Parliament for Rochdale, said: "Richard was an unashamed Rochdalian who fought for the people of Rochdale over his years in politics.

"I've come across many who have been grateful for both the time and the care he put in to fight their corner. At this time of Richard's passing, we remember the real contribution that he wanted to make, and that he did make, for the people of the town, the borough, and beyond."