Councillor Whittle de-selected

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 23 January 2010

Denis Whittle, ward councillor for Milnrow and Newhey, has been de-selected by his Liberal Democrats colleagues. This means Councillor Whittle will be prevented from attempting to retain his Council seat at the local elections in May.

The decision to de-select Councillor Whittles was taken by the local Liberal Democrat Executive Committee due to their not being enough ward members to form a quorum.

The same Executive Committee decided that Andrew Kelly will contest the Milnrow and Newhey seat - Mr Kelly is well known for his involvement in Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society.

Asked to comment, Mr Kelly declined the opportunity.

Councillor Whittle was mired in controversy two years ago when he was accused of inappropriate behaviour by a policewoman who had attended his house. In a complaint to Rochdale Council Chief Executive, Roger Ellis, the policewoman accused Councillor Whittle of showing her pornographic images, an accusation vigorously denied by Councillor Whittle, though it is understood he was warned of his future conduct.

When asked to comment on his de-selection Councillor Whittle refused to do so, on the grounds that he has appealed to the Liberal Democrat regional office and is awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

Rochdale Online approached Leader of the Council, Councillor Irene Davidson for a comment, as she is a councillor in the same ward and has worked closely with Councillor Whittle, however, her response was: “Not on a Saturday mate!”

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, who is also a councillor for the same ward, Milnrow and Newhey also refused to comment.