Mayor Peter Rush thanked as his year in office comes to an end

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Mayor Peter Rush and Mayoress Monica Rush at the Heywood 1940s weekend

Mayor of Rochdale, Peter Rush was thanked by follow councillors for his time as Mayor at the final council meeting before Election Day.

During the council meeting, Mayor Rush was described as a “showman” and “a splendid mayor”.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Colin Lambert said: “Thank you to the retiring Mayor. You have had a momentous year and I know it filled you with great pride to be able to honour Rochdale Hornets with the Freedom of the Borough, as well as being part of the Rugby World Cup and the 40 year celebrations of the borough.

You have carried the role with excellent ability. The role of the Mayor should go to a showman and that showman is Peter Rush. You have done a brilliant job. Not only have you done the whole of the borough proud, but you have certainly done Heywood proud. You have truly been a Mayor who has connected with the people.”

Councillor Ashley Dearnley added: “You have been a splendid Mayor. You have managed to bring humour to proceedings. Thank you for your involvement and thank you for your time as Mayor.”

Councillor Andy Kelly echoed his fellow councillor’s praise and added: “You have had a brilliant year in which I have had the honour of being the chair[man] of the Mayor's Charity appeal. I can only repeat what other councillors have said this evening. Thank you Rushy.”

In response, Mayor Rush said: “It has been an absolute honour and a pleasure to be in this role and to conduct these meetings and get respect from fellow councillors.

"I have to thank my team Dorothy, Mary and Yvette for all of their hard work and my drivers as well because the relationship we all have is superb. Thank you from the Mayoress and myself for all of your support and commitment.”

During the final minutes of the meeting, Mayor Rush invited party leaders to say a few words about retiring councillors.

Councillor Lambert thanked fellow councillors for their time and public service over the years. He added: “We should not forget that you are doing a public service. Whatever your part and whatever your role, you are giving four years of your time to public service.”

Councillors Ashley Dearnley and Andy Kelly echoed Councillor Lambert’s words of thanks to fellow councillors.

Elections will take place across the borough on Thursday 22 May.