Rochdale Parliamentary Constituency carved up

Parliamentary representation in the Borough is set to dramatically change after Boundary Commissioners decided to split the Rochdale Constituency. Balderstone and Kirkholt, Milnrow and Newhey, Littleborough Lakeside, Smallbridge and Firgrove and Wardle and West Littleborough is set to be part of the Littleborough and Saddleworth constituency. Central Rochdale, Healey, Kingsway, Milkstone and Deeplish and Spotland and Falinge is set to be in a new Rochdale Constituency alongside Bamford, Castleton, Norden and Heywood. All Middleton wards would become part of a new Prestwich and Middleton seat.

If the boundary review recommendations are approved, Rochdale would be represented, in part, by three MPs compared to two at present. Currently, the Rochdale Borough is represented by Liz McInnes (Labour --Heywood and Middleton) and the controversial Simon Danczuk (Independent, currently suspended by Labour)

Councillor Andy Kelly said: "I welcome the fact that our Borough will have have three MPs instead of two. I will be throwing my hat in the ring for Littleborough and Saddleworth as this is where I live. Currently, Rochdale is suffering with an MP who goes from one disaster to another. Despite enormous pressure, we have held him to account. I am extremely confident of winning any election in Littleborough and Saddleworth. We've won it before and can win it again. Locally, we will not be challenging these proposals as we believe our Borough is better off with three parliamentary champions rather than two currently."

Both Simon Danczuk and Liz MacInnes faces selection battle under Labour Party rules. Danczuk is currently suspended from the Labour Party for send lurid, lewd text messages to a 17 year old constituent.