Outgoing Leader says ‘thank you’ for support

Councillor Irene Davidson

The outgoing leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Irene Davidson, has thanked everybody who has sent her cards, flowers and gifts over the past few weeks.

Whilst Councillor Davidson was in hospital undergoing major surgery several members of the Liberal Democrat party resigned which lead forced Councillor Davidson to step down from her position as Leader of the Council.

Councillor Davidson described the last few weeks as a “traumatic time.”

She added: “I have been touched and I have realised how many people think about me and what they think about me.”

On Monday, Councillor Davidson was given the all clear with regards to cancer.

The Milnrow and Newhey Councillor, added: “It has changed my outlook on life.

“Thank you to my group for their support and thank you to the two other leaders for their support.

“It is a real shame we are in this position tonight. If I hadn’t been in hospital maybe I could have handled things better.

“Hopefully we can all work together.

“Thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart.”