The Liberal Democrats have taken overall control of Rochdale Metropolitan Council after a Labour Councillor quit. This leaves the Liberal Democrats with over half the Councillors and now in full control of the Council.
The Lib Dems have been in minority control since May after gaining a number of seats in the local elections. Labour Councillor Smith will stand down with immediate affect. His seat is up for election in May, there will be no by-election as a ‘six month rule’ will apply – leaving the residents of Middleton West with only 2 Councillors. The Liberal Democrats previously had minority control of the Council with all 10 Cabinet Members. The new Council is: Liberal Democrats 30, Labour 19 and the Conservatives 10.
Council Leader Alan Taylor said, “I don’t know the reasons behind former Councillor Smith’s decision but I am acutely aware that this gives the Liberal Democrats a stronger mandate to deliver our exciting but challenging manifesto. Since the successful election in May we have strived to use the mandate clearly given to us by the people of the Borough of Rochdale. We shall continue apace and deliver the lowest Council Tax increase for over a decade, to devolve power locally, to continue our drive to improve recycling and the many other improvements we aim for and are delivering for this Borough.”
Thanks to David Hennigan for the update.
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