Norman Smith MBE named as new Lib Dem President

Rochdale Liberal Democrats have announced that Lib Dem stalwart Norman Smith MBE has been successfully selected as the new President of the local party.

Norman, who is the brother of Sir Cyril Smith, has been a Liberal Democrat member for over 40 years. During that time he had been a Councillor in Rochdale for 34 years, the Town’s Mayor in 86/87 and even received an MBE in 1988 for his services to the community.

Norman will be taking over the important party role in January from outgoing President Ali Asghar.

The Liberal Democrats also announced that Paul Rowen, the former MP for Rochdale, will be taking over from Healey Councillor Hilary Rodgers as Chairman of the constituency party.

Norman Smith MBE said: “It’s a great honour to have been asked to take on this vital role within our party. I had been asked to be President of the party previously but at the time I was still very active as a Councillor so didn’t feel I could dedicate enough time to the job. Over the next few years I will be working hard to make sure the party now starts to move forward and continue putting Rochdale first.”

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats Councillor Dale Mulgrew said, “Firstly, I would just like to thank Ali Asghar for the wonderful job he has done over the last few years. I am delighted that Norman has accepted the role. He has been a great leader for the Lib Dems in Rochdale for decades now and there is no one with more experience than him. I look forward to working alongside him.”