Leading Lib Dems pay tribute to Norman Smith MBE

Leading Liberal Democrats have paid tribute to Norman Smith MBE who died last week. The funeral service will be held on Monday, 23rd January at the Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street at 12.15pm followed by a Private Committal at Rochdale Crematorium and then Refreshments at Rochdale Town Hall at 14.30.

Lord David Alton, a former MP and now a member of the House of Lords, said: "A string of previously agreed parliamentary commitments prevent me from being present for Norman's funeral. I am particularly sorry as I would like to have personally paid tribute to Norman's dedication to the people of Rochdale over so many years. Town halls and Councils only function because of the tireless and often thankless work of ordinary men and women. Westminster often forgets that councillors like Norman are the bedrock of our democracy. Norman never forgot that politics is about people - and now is a moment for people to pay their respects and to say their thanks. Once again, please accept my sympathy and prayers at this time of loss. May he rest in peace."

Rochdale's former MEP Chris Davies said: "I am pleased to see Norman receiving the recognition that he deserved as a former mayor, longstanding councillor, and above all as a thoroughly decent man strongly committed to the well-being of his town and its people. I was privileged to know him - he was so committed to improving people's lives and politics will miss him."