Councillor’s ‘foolish and childish’ behaviour

Lib Dem Councillor Dale Mulgrew

The acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats has described the decision by the Labour party to form a minority administration rather than a Cabinet including representatives from all four parties as “sad” – despite previously demanding Labour take control and subsequently walking out on a joint meeting to discuss the future of the borough.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Dale Mulgrew has contacted Labour group leader Councillor Colin Lambert to work in an all party Cabinet. However, it was re-confirmed at a meeting of all parties this week that the Labour Group will nominate a Labour party minority administration at the emergency meeting of the full Council on Wednesday 15 December.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, said: "Once more there was an intention on behalf of the Lib Dem team that we could work in a Cabinet of all the talents, which could include representatives of all four political parties. This would mean working together in the best interests of the borough, and recognising the tough decision making ahead."

"It is sad that the Leader of the Labour party chose that he felt he could not lead an all party administration."

This comes days after Councillor Mulgrew left a meeting with the leadership of all the parties in the borough because representatives from the newly formed Independent Alliance Party were there.

The new party is made up of seven former Liberal Democrats who resigned over leadership concerns.

The Leader of the Labour Party, Councillor Colin Lambert showed a letter to Rochdale Online in which Councillor Mulgrew demanded Labour take charge of the Council.

Councillor Lambert made reference to Councillor Mulgrew leaving the all party meeting.

He said: “His foolish and childish behaviour is now being repeated. He left Labour with no choice, other than attempt to sort out this mess.

“He clearly stated that he would not even sit at the table with other councillors in the room, let alone work together with them.

“How can he now expect any of the other councillors to trust his future behaviour and accept that he has suddenly started to be serious?

 “At least his dad was paid to be a comedian; he cannot even do that properly.

“This release from the Liberal Democrats is a belated attempt to cover up their behaviour, and try to lay the blame on someone else.

Conservative Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: “This is what I was asking for since the Liberal Democrat problem began and I believe it is the best way forward.

“Sadly because Councillor Mulgrew sent a letter to Labour informing them that they are the largest party and should take control this has now happened.

“Possibly the Liberal Democrat acting leadership didn’t handle this issue wisely leaving little scope for the working together that my group always wanted.”

The Leader of the Independent Alliance Party, Councillor Greg Couzens said: “If Councillor Mulgrew hadn’t walked out of the meeting he would have realised we are working together."