Labour challenges Lib Dems to act on their own Councillors

Following the decision by the local Labour Party to withdraw the party whip from Councillor David Murphy, Councillor Peter Williams group chief whip and Middleton Township Chairman said: “It was a difficult decision to make when we took into account Councillor David Murphy’s 20 plus years service and the health issues he had suffered recently.

"However, what we need to ask is where does this leave the Lib Dems on Rochdale Council, their high moral ground in attacking Councillor David Murphy should surely mean they have to deal with two high profile Councillors of their own.

"One, Councillor Birkett, with an abysmal attendance record has been training as an airline pilot in the US - on the council tax payer many would think; and the other, East ward Councillor Irene Cooper has a worse attendance record over her period of office, rarely being seen, than Councillor David Murphy, yet she is their official candidate on 1 May.

"Is this a case of the kettle calling the pot black? But with no action! Come on Lib Dems pull your candidate please or shut up!”