Leader vows to “protect” council officers

Councillor Irene Davidson

The Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Councillor Irene Davidson, has hit out at the “treatment” of the council’s senior managment and officers.

Councillor Davidson has vowed to protect the staff from the “cowardly” manner in which they are being treated.

Councillor Davidson’s claims were about suggestions from Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk that the council’s Chief Executive, Roger Ellis should take a pay cut.

The Leader said: “It is sickening that someone who is trying to do the right thing for the staff, us and the borough is pulled apart for earning a wage.

“It is disgusting; I have nothing to hold back. I will stand up and protect the people working in this council; I will defend them to the death.

“We must stand together as a council and support the people who work here.”

The Deputy Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Ashley Dearnley added: “It is unacceptable that people are being treated this way when it is not possible for them to answer back.

“They deserve our full support, it is easy to knock and call things but we wouldn’t achieve what we all want to see.

“We are in a debt of gratitude for their vision.

“We need to let the managment carry on with doing what is best for the borough.”