Senior Rochdale Councillor supports Charles Kennedy!

2.26.24pm GMT Tue 21st Feb 2006

Rochdale Lib Dem Deputy Leader - Councillor Shah Wazir has expressed his ongoing support for embattled Lib Dem Leader Charles Kennedy. Shah who represents Central Rochdale said, "I give my full support to a leader who I believe has been both honest and courageous. It was not long ago that we were praising his stance against the Iraq War and issues such as Stop and Search, ID Cards and the Anti-Terrorism Bill. I feel that Charles deserves a second chance to continue the great work he has been doing for the Muslim Community and others."

Sir Cyril Smith MBE said, "I'll give you 3 words - Compassion, Loyalty and Liberty. They are amongst the core values of a Liberal and I think we should at least give Charles the opportunity to continue to carry out the fine job I believe he is doing. Recently he gave everyone in the Borough a lift when he signed our petition against the potentially disastrous cuts at Rochdale Infirmary - he is the only leading political figure in the country to even take an interest."

Shah continued, "It is no coincidence that here in Rochdale, under Charles Kennedy we have regained Rochdale from Labour, gained 2 MEP's and now have a record number of Councillors. We are the biggest group on Rochdale Council, Tories and Labour have taken the controversial step of forming a coalition just to keep us out! Charles Kennedy has played a massive part in ensuring that we are in a prime position to take control of Rochdale Council this year!"