Lib Dem Leader Challenges MP to Show Some Leadership (Rochdale Liberal Democrats)

Rochdale Liberal Democrats <info@rochdalelibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dem Leader Challenges MP to Show Some Leadership

October 14, 2010 12:00 AM

Lib Dem Leader Councillor Irene Davidson The Leader of Rochdale Liberal Democrats has launched an attack on Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk for his negative comments, after it was revealed this week that Central & Falinge ward was again named "Britain's benefit capital."

Councillor Irene Davidson has called on the Rochdale MP to start showing some real leadership and to stop talking our town down.

Simon Danczuk MP had accused the Council of repeatedly failing to address the problems in Central and Falinge calling for stronger local leadership.

This week it was revealed that some 865 of the 1030 working-age adults in a part of the Central and Falinge ward, covering Lower Falinge estate, are claiming state hand-outs.

Councillor Davidson said: "I wish the MP would stop attacking Rochdale and its people. Again we see him rolling out the same old tired excuses such as a 'need for local leadership.' Can I politely remind him of the fact that he is now part of the local leadership of our town. "What has he done to raise this problem in parliament? He can't even provide any positive solutions to the difficulties we face. Mr Danczuk, you were voted in to be the MP for Rochdale, not against Rochdale."

Councillor Davidson said: "The irony of his latest comments won't be lost on the majority of this town. It was his party, over the last 13 years, which created this benefit culture. We now have a generation that has never worked. Instead of creating jobs for local people, the last government chose to instead make them benefit dependent. That simply isn't fair on local people, the majority of whom want to work."

Councillor Davidson added: "This Council is carrying out a lot of hard work to improve the quality of life for people in Central and Falinge. For example, the Council's employment support agency holds weekly outreach sessions and organises training courses to improve Falinge resident's chances of getting a job. We promise to continue to support local residents during these difficult times."