Rochdale Lib Dems select new Leader!

11.23.15am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 16th May 2005

Charles Kennedy MP with Cllr. Alan Taylor

At a meeting of the Rochdale Lib Dem Council Group - Cllr. Alan Taylor has been selected as the new Lib Dem Council Group Leader. Cllr. Taylor, who represents the Healey Ward will replace Cllr. Paul Rowen MP who has led the Lib Dems in Rochdale for over 15 years.

Cllr. Alan Taylor has pledged to continue the growth of the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale and will continue the work of Paul Rowen MP. He said, "It's never been better to be a Liberal Democrat here in Rochdale. It's been a great year, we now have 27 Councillors on the Council, 2 Members of the European Parliament and of course, in Paul Rowen an MP once again here in Rochdale. It's business as usual for us here in Rochdale and we will continue as the biggest group to put positive policies for the people of Rochdale at the forefront of what we will do. These include improving recycling, continuing to lobby for the Metrolink and new Bus Station and improving the safety of the people of Rochdale!"

Alan Taylor was first elected to Rochdale Council over 30 years ago - in this time he has been Leader of the Group and Deputy Leader. He has been seen as radical and successful in his political jobs including Chairman of the Housing Services Committee. He has a wealth of campaigning experience most notably as Election Agent for Sir Cyril Smith MBE, Campaign Manager for Liz Lynne MEP and most recently Paul Rowen MP.

Alan left Council in 87 to pursue his business interests but returned in 2004. Alan was Chair of the Rochdale Township last year. Alan believes his time spent away from Local Government has enabled him to see local politics from 2 perspectives and believes this knowledge is VITAL! He said, "I really enjoyed working with the Township staff over the last year and now look forward to the challenge of leading the Lib Dem Group on the Council. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of Cllr. Paul Rowen MP has been elected to fight for Rochdale in the House of Commons. For 15 years Paul has led our party from the front and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity."