Talking Politics by Paul Rowen MP

11.10.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Apr 2007

A good team! Paul Rowen MP and Council Leader Alan Taylor.

It's been a long 24 years - now Labour have got the news that they have been waiting for; Paul Rowen MP is standing down from the Council. Paul Rowen was Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1992 till 2004. In that time the Lib Dem Group went from 6 to 26. When Paul was elected to Parliament - Councillor Alan Taylor took over, promptly leading the party to a record 30 seats. Here are Paul Rowen MP's last thoughts as a Councillor...

If a week is a long time in politics then what of 24 years? As I enter my last month on Rochdale Council I am reflecting on the people and the events of the last 24 years. I'm joined by Beryl Wright (Conservative), Lynne Brosnan (Labour) and my good friend Rodney Stott who are all standing down.

Rodney was on the Council when I was first elected back in 1983. A character, he still holds the record for the amount raised for the Mayor's Charity. All retiring Councillors of all political parties have given their time and fought for their community and I salute them.

I remember also some of the characters and events during those 24 years. Bill Jenkins, our former Leader who told me I should keep quiet for 3 years after first being elected and listen to my elders. At the time I had also been told by Cyril Smith that I had to make my mark quickly otherwise I would not have got in next time. I have not shut up ever since and I was glad to pass Cyril's advice to some of our excellent newer Councillors like Dale Mulgrew and Mark Birkett. Memories include John Towen, who was a former Town Clerk who told me that I had no right to be concerned about asbestos in Town Hall cellars and dear old Ronnie Taylor who was my first Chairman of a committee.

When I became Leader of the Liberals in 1992, Arnold Bagnall gave me sound advice that I have followed ever since. During a long Council Meeting (We used to go on till 12 Midnight!)he told me to keep my cool and not allow myself to be dragged into the gutter. When I felt that the then Mayor (Alan Whitehead) was cutting me off before me time was up. I produced a model traffic light system operated by Council Officers that we've used ever since.

When I started, my party had 6 Councillors - in Central and Falinge and Spotland - we now have 30 I am hoping for more after the local elections in May. I hope that you will read all the leaflets and talk to the candidates (Whatever the party) They give their time willingly and make our Town a better place.

For my part, I have been hugely privileged to serve the area where I was born. I will continue of course to serve you as your MP and I am proud to do so!

Paul