An update on the story of Labour Councillor David Murphy. Last week, Alex reported on this site about the growing controversy over Cllr Murphy’s long-term residence in South West Europe, despite remaining a councillor in Rochdale.

Now we hear that the Labour Party has taken action - withdrawing the whip from David Murphy. According to Labour’s statement:

The Labour Group on the council has withdrawn the whip from Councillor Murphy.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. Cllr 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led to the decision and the unanimous agreement of all present including Middleton Councillors that the whip should be withdrawn.