Irene Davidson chosen to stand in 2016

Milnrow & Newhey Liberal Democrats have chosen Irene Davidson to stand in the 2016 local elections. She is both a previous leader of Rochdale Council and Mayor of Rochdale Borough.

Councillor Andy Kelly said: "She has a wealth of knowledge and experience working at an executive level with senior council officers and knows how to get the best for the residents in our ward. Irene is a change-maker. No-one in Milnrow & Newhey is more involved with community work than Irene. An active member of Butterworth Hall management committee, the Literary and Scientific Society, Friends of Milnrow Memorial Park, Milnrow & Newhey Carnival Committee, Friends of The Clock Tower and the Horticultural Society, she has a proven track record in getting things done in our villages."

Irene Davidson served for 22 years on Rochdale council between 1990 and 2012.

"I believe we suffered at a local level due to the public perception of the coalition. But the rise in membership to our party and excellent showing we had in the 2015 local elections in our ward proves that where we work, we win.

"Milnrow & Newhey has a unique set of challenges within the Pennines and within the borough. Irene will campaign to get the best deal for residents by making sure we get our fair share of services, budgets and external funding to Milnrow, Newhey and Ogden."