Talking Politics by Councillor David Clayton.
As someone who teaches politics I am acutely aware of the rough and tumble of the political world. I don't mind being targeted, but I draw the line at my children. Yes, my children are educated outside of the Borough but that is more out of convenience than anything as I teach in the same school. Of course I can't teach in Rochdale as it would bar me from standing for office. I find Councillor Brett to be the worst type of 'politician' I have ever had the misfortune of meeting.
Of course, Councillor Allen Brett and I go back a long way. I was the victim of a violent assault at his hands in 1987. Councillor Brett was safely convicted but has refused to apologise ever since. They say time is a great healer - but it is obvious that the same bullyboy tactics are being practised by the Local Leader of the Labour Party. The next year I stood and beat Councillor Brett in Milnrow and Newhey - Councillor Davidson did the same the following year. So off he went and did the famous 'Chicken-Run' to Balderstone and Kirkholt. In 1992, Councillor Brett unsuccessfully stood for Parliament - managing the biggest swing against any Labour Candidate in the country. Is it any wonder that he is so bitter, then he becomes Council Leader in coalition with the Tories only to be unceremoniously kicked out in May last year. Not a great career, I would suggest!
He recently had the indecency to then launch a tirade at not just my children but the Hobhouse's children - Is no-one is free from his rants? This included a highly respected member of the church community, who despite putting his own time into being a school governor in this Borough was lambasted by Councillor Brett - His crime? Sending his children to a faith school outside of the Borough.
We've heard a lot of activities outside the Borough - Let me give you some other details about Councillor Brett - He doesn't mention his gyms outside of the Borough, doesn't mention his Planning Consultancy outside of the Borough and certainly mention his one ambition before retiring next year - That is the full restoration of the Victoria Railway Station roof in Central Manchester. The way he talks you'd think he never set foot outside of Rochdale. It is no wonder that a National Magazine speaks of the Rochdale Labour Party's 'dysfunctional reputation' when they are led by a man with the reputation of Councillor Allen Brett.