Allen Brett accused of 'running scared' in May's local elections

Councillor Allen Brett

Leader of the Lib Dems locally, Councillor Andy Kelly, has accused Allen Brett, Labour councillor for Milnrow and Newhey, of "running scared" following news that Councillor Brett will not be defending his council seat in the ward in May's local elections, instead he will stand for election in Milkstone and Deeplish.

Councillor Brett says his decision to leave the Milnrow and Newhey seat is to allow a younger candidate to stand. He explained: “After more than 30 years in elected office and having stood down nearly eight years ago, I decided to step aside to give my support to a younger, really hard working and enthusiastic candidate to take over for Labour. This excellent community campaigner in Milnrow and Newhey has worked very hard on the last two campaigns in the villages.

“When I informed the Leader of my decision, he hit the roof. He insisted I remain on the Council and continue in the important Cabinet Finance role. I could not give back word to my comrade in Milnrow and Newhey, so I am grateful to the members of the Milkstone and Deeplish Labour Party who overwhelmingly selected me to stand in the seat.”

Irene Davidson is hoping to return to the council after being selected to stand for the Liberal Democrats in Milnrow and Newhey. Mrs Davidson, a previous leader of Rochdale Borough Council and Mayor of Rochdale, served for 22 years on the Council between 1990 and 2012 - she lost her seat when she was defeated by Councillor Brett in the 2012 local elections.

Current Milkstone and Deeplish councillor Terry Linden will be stepping down. He says rumours that he has been de-selected are inaccurate, he took the decision not to put himself forward for re-election. He explained: “I was not de-selected. I told everyone a year ago that I would not be putting myself up for re-election in Rochdale Township. My ward members still put me on the shortlist so I turned up at the meeting and explained why I did not want them to vote for me.”