Lib Dems call for Murphy to stand down…Again!

Local Liberal Democrats have again called for the immediate resignation of Middleton East Councillor David Murphy. It came as Lib Dem Councillor William Hobhouse stood up at the recent council meeting and demanded that Councillor Murphy resign from Rochdale Council on principle. The controversial Middleton East Councillor, who is now believed to be residing in Murcia, Spain, turned up to the recent full council meeting but had left within the hour.

Councillor William Hobhouse said: "I call for the removal from this council of Councillor David Murphy. This man is clearly bringing our council into disrepute and the hard work and dedication of my fellow councillors in this chamber tonight."

Rochdale Borough's Mayor, Councillor Robin Parker, drew a line under the Liberal Democrat request by stating: "Councillor Murphy is registered at an address somewhere in Middleton and he attends the minimum amount of Full Council Meetings allowed to remain as a councillor in this Borough. There is nothing more this Council can or should do on this issue."

Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Colin Lambert, immediately leapt to the defence of his former colleague saying: "Mr Mayor, I do not believe that the Liberal Democrats should be bringing this council meeting in disrepute in this way."

Councillor Hobhouse finished off by saying; "I find it incredible that while many of Middleton's residents have struggled to get to work recently because of the weather, Councillor Murphy manages to jet his way in with ease to get his 6 month mark at Council. This council should be holding an investigation in Councillor Murphy's actions. This man is an embarrassment to Middleton and to the borough's politics and the Liberal Democrats in Heywood and Middleton will continue to push for his resignation."