Zulfiqar Ali to be Mayor in 2010!

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Jul 2008

Zulfiqar Ali to be Mayor in 2010!

Rochdale Liberal Democrats have announced that Central Ward Councillor Zulfiqar Ali will be the Mayor in 2010. It is understood that he will be the first Lib Dem Mayor from the Asian Community ever in Greater Manchester. Councillor Keith Swift will be Mayor in 2009 with Councillor Ali as his deputy.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "After 10 years on the Council, I am pleased that Zulf will represent our town. He has been an outstanding Councillor, helping hundreds of residents in the Central Rochdale area.

"I look forward to Zulf representing all of our communities here in Rochdale. I was delighted that Zulf held his seat in the elections in May despite an aggressive and often nasty campaign by Labour. This accolade is well deserved!"

Councillor Ali said: "I am absolutely made up that in 2010 I will be this Borough's first citizen. I look forward to learning the ropes next year as Councillor's Swift's deputy.

"I would like to thank my Liberal Democrat colleagues for putting their faith in me. I will repay them by doing my best during my Mayoral Year and showing what's great about Rochdale."