Former leader ‘will not be defecting’

Date published: 19 November 2011


The former leader of the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale, Councillor Irene Davidson, is to remain with the group, Rochdale Online understands.

Following the departure of Councillor Jean Ashworth on Thursday rumours suggested that Councillor Davidson could follow suit.

Speaking to Rochdale Online on Friday Councillor Davidson said she would be attending a meeting regarding the matter on Friday night. After the meeting the Leader of the group, Councillor Wera Hobhouse, said a full statement would be made on Monday.

We now understand that Councillor Davidson is to remain in the group.

A post of the Rochdale Online forum from John Heyworth, reads: “Irene is not leaving the Liberal Democrats. She is ‘a Liberal to the core!’”

In a post on Facebook, former Councillor Liz Thirsk, said: “Good news ex Lib Dem leader of Rochdale council will not be defecting. She is Lib Dem to the end.”

Councillor Davidson was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Do you have a story for us?

Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.


To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.

To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.