Councillor Richard Farnell is the new leader of Rochdale Borough Council

Councillor Richard Farnell

Richard Farnell is to be the new leader of Rochdale Borough Council.

Councillor Farnell challenged Councillor Colin Lambert for the leadership at a Labour Party meeting this evening and won the ballot of Labour councillors.

Councillor Farnell returns to the leadership after more than 20 years, having previously been the leader of the Council between 1987 and 1992.

Councillor Farnell said: "I would like to thank my Labour Party colleagues for putting their trust in me as Leader tonight with an overwhelming majority. I would also like to thank the people of the Borough for continuing to put their trust in the Labour Party.

"Support for Labour locally has never been higher, but with that support comes a huge responsibility. My first priority will be to always listen carefully to the people and to act in the interests of Rochdale Borough and its residents at all times.

"Rochdale has suffered some devastating cuts from central government – despite being one of the most neediest areas in the country. Another £50M of cutbacks is on the way, and this will have a huge impact on our ability to protect the vital services many local people need.

"Out will go pet projects, needless spending and bureaucratic red tape. Every penny must be spent on giving our children the best education possible, looking after the elderly and vulnerable; and attracting new jobs and businesses to the borough. These are my priorities. And after listening to local residents, I know they are your priorities too.

"I also want to see a much cleaner borough but spending cuts have made this much more difficult. I want to build a strong partnership between the council and residents to tackle litter and grime to make our town much cleaner and greener. We can all play our part.

"It is an immense privilege and honour to be asked to serve as Leader again. My only promise is a simple one, to work night and day to put an end to all the bad headlines and to strive to make our borough a nicer and more successful place in which to live, work and play.

The news has been welcomed by Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, speaking to Rochdale Online he said: "I am pleased that Richard has been chosen and expect that decision to be ratified at full Council on Wednesday. Richard will do a good job for Rochdale, and I am sure we will now move forward more confidently with the town being lead effectively."

"Commiserations to Colin Lambert, he was thrust into the leadership in 2010 and whilst I feel he has given it his best shot, he never really came up to the mark and failed to deliver for the town."

Councillor Lambert said: "I respect what was a democratic decision and will step back knowing I did my best for three years.

"I wish Richard well for the challenges that lie ahead."

Leader of the Conservative group on Rochdale Council, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: "Congratulations to Councillor Farnell and my commiserations to Councillor Lambert.

"I will continue to work with whoever is the leader for the benefit of the Borough of Rochdale and look forward to holding Councillor Farnell to account."

The decision has to be ratified at a meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday (4 June) but that is a formality.

It has also been confirmed that Councillor Surinder Biant has been chosen for the honour of Deputy Mayor rather than Councillor Farooq Ahmed, who is currently suspended from the Labour Party pending the outcome of a court case due before magistrates this month.