Councillor Murphy’s Whip withdrawn at last minute by Labour!

Councillor David Murphy shows his anger during his last visit to Rochdale in March

Middleton Liberal Democrats have claimed the credit for the withdrawal of the Labour whip from controversial Labour Councillor David Murphy. The news follows a nine-month stand off after the revelation that Councillor Murphy had emigrated to Spain. The Lib Dems, who warned last week that Councillor Murphy had days to stand down to avoid a costly by-election, have been calling for action since the start of November. They are now accusing the Labour Party of acting to protect their own interests with the local elections taking place next next month in mind.

Heywood and Middleton Parliamentary Candidate Wera Hobhouse said: “This is just gesture politics and to be honest smacks of a distinct lack of leadership in the Labour Group. Let’s not forget that they wheeled him out like a circus animal in the Middleton by election in a last minute ploy to win votes. Indeed Jim Dobbin MP and other prominent Labour members laughed heartily as Councillor Murphy waved castanets during the count. They have known about this abuse of taxpayer’s money for nearly a year and to take this late action now is just to avoid a backlash from the people of Middleton. I want people to know that they have covered this up for a year to avoid losing a by-election. I am pleased that local people will have the chance to have their say on this matter in the local elections in May.”

Councillor Irene Cooper said: “This is a sad end to Councillor Murphy’s political career. The fact of the matter is that this is too little, too late. If they had taken this action months ago when they knew they could have forced him to stand down. The simple reason for this impromptu change of heart is to avoid it becoming an issue in the elections on 1 May. The failure to act is set to cost local taxpayers thousands, unless he stands down, because his seat won’t be up for another few years.”

A statement from the Labour Party read: "The Labour Group on the council has withdrawn the whip from Councillor Murphy. This means he is no longer a Labour member representing Labour for Middleton. This follows a period of concern about the way Councillor Murphy failed to carry out his duties and responsibilities as a Labour Councillor in Middleton East. Councillor David Murphy was given every opportunity to remedy the situation but failed to do so, it was this that led to the decision and the unanimous agreement of all present including Middleton Councillors that the whip should be withdrawn."

Councillor Peter Williams, Labour’s Group Chief Whip and Middleton Township Chairman said: “It was a difficult decision to make when we took into account Councillor David Murphy’ 20 plus years service and the health issues he had suffered recently."