Party leaders sign election pledge to promote respect

Councillor Greg Couzens, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, Councillor Colin Lambert, Councillor Irene Davidson sign the election plegde

The leaders of all four main political parties in Rochdale have signed a cross-party election pledge, aimed at promoting mutual respect and eliminating discrimination in the forthcoming election campaign.

The pledge sets out standards which all prospective candidates and their members must adhere to. By signing it, party leaders have agreed to represent the interests of all constituents regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religious preference or any other discriminating factor to promote good race relations.

They promise to reject all forms of racial violence, harassment and unlawful discrimination and not publish, or in any way endorse, material likely to generate hostility or division between people of different racial, national or religious groups.

They will also make sure everyone involved in the election campaign abides by these principles.

In endorsing this declaration, Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert; Conservative Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley; Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Irene Davidson and Leader of the Independent Alliance Group, Councillor Greg Couzens agreed to accept responsibility to make sure that any alleged breach is properly investigated. Appropriate action will be taken against any candidate, party member or person acting on behalf of the party or a candidate, who knowingly fails to comply with the principles.

Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert said:“We’re elected to serve all people in this borough and as such we’re clear that discrimination in any form should not and will not take part in the election contest.

“Indeed, we’re proud of the borough’s distinctively diverse communities and its co-operative history founded on the principles of equality and respect.

“We’re not prepared to let these important principles be undermined in any way.”

Conservative Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley added: “In our dealings with our constituents, different communities, fellow councillors, the media, local agencies, community organisations and businesses, we will endeavour to promote community cohesion. Only by working together locally on this will we develop a thriving borough where we all have a sense of pride and belonging based on mutual respect.”

Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Irene Davidson added:“We have a duty to understand each other and respect one another’s values.

“We all need to be committed to creating an environment in which we understand, respect and celebrate Rochdale borough’s diverse communities.

“Now is a good time for all party councillors to lead by example and reaffirm these important principles that build cohesive communities.”

Independent Alliance Group Leader, Councillor Greg Couzens concluded: “Every one of Rochdale borough’s residents deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout this election contest.
“We’re elected by local people to champion causes that are important to local people and we’re clear about what that obligation means.

“We’re committed to providing a voice for all no matter what age, race, sexual orientation, religious preference or any other differentiating factor an individual may have.”

All election candidates will be invited to sign the pledge in the coming weeks.