Lib Dem Leader Sir Menzies Campbell visits Rochdale

Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell, with Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and Councillor Alan Taylor

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Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, visited Rochdale on Friday 25 August. His itinerary included talking to youth workers at Wardleworth Community Base, watching a presentation of work by Belfield Community Group at Belfield Community School and giving a speech at Syke Community Base before an evening 'celebration' with Liberal Democrat Councillors, Members and Activists at Rochdale Town Hall.

Despite his busy schedule, Sir Menzies took time out to be interviewed by Rochdale Online, nbsp;he told reporter Jan Harwood: “The next step for the Lib Dems in Rochdale is to gain outright control of the council. That would secure enormous benefits and enable further progression of the Liberal Democrats here.

“"What an absolute pleasure it is to come to Rochdale - a Town so steeped in Liberal Tradition.  I visited Wardleworth Youth Base and Belfield Primary School and what is obvious is that people in the community welcome the Lib Dem philosophy of local people making decisions that affect their lives.  I was really impressed by the attitude and commitment from the young people in Wardleworth, an organisation run by young people and for young people - this is exactly how it should be.  It is only by going to places like this that you understand exactly why Rochdale has not suffered from problems in other Northern cities.

"Part of the Lib Dem philosophy is to encourage community groups to flourish. If we can gain control of the council it will ensure that these groups can go from strength to strength.

“I’ve been very impressed during my visit of the progress that Rochdale has made and I hope that that can continue under the Liberal Democrats.”

Following his busy day, Sir Menzies moved onto the evening party gathering at the Town Hall, where he was joined at the top table by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and former MP Sir Cyril Smith, who looked well following his recent illness and was in good form as he welcomed Sir Menzies.

Liberal Democrat Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Alan Taylor, got the evening under way before handing over to Sir Cyril, who emphasised that whilst the Lib Dem's had achieved a lot this year, they were still not yet in control of the council with an equal split in councillors between the Lib Dem's and the two opposition parties.

Paul Rowen talked about the Lib Dem’s progress as a party, particularly success in the townships, were he said the Lib Dem's were decentralising political issues. He said: “In our running of the council we are handing power back to local people.”

Sir Menzies Campbell then took the floor and spoke about the importance of Rochdale in terms of the history of the Liberal Democrats, and how he was reminded of Rochdale’s importance as soon as he saw the statue of John Bright in Broadfield Park.

He also had a word of praise for Rochdale MP Paul Rowen: “Our values and principles are more relevant today than perhaps they have ever been. All my colleagues and I have a purpose and a responsibility, both in local and national politics, and it is clear that is something that Paul Rowen fully appreciates. Paul is making his mark both here and in the Commons.”

Sir Menzies then answered questions from the floor, and the proposed downgrading of Rochdale Infirmary was top of the agenda. Councillor Jean Ashworth declared her anger and concern about “the destruction of Rochdale’s services” and asked: “is there anything we can do?”

Sir Menzies replied that he was pleased at what the Rochdale public were trying to achieve through the petitions that have been signed and he gave the campaign his full support. He said: “In the NHS there is no doubt that we should leave more of the decision making to clinical judgement. The government should spend more money on improving the quality of services for patients. If these services are denied in Rochdale then the Liberal Democrats have no hesitation in campaigning as rigorously as possible.

“You can help and make sure your voices are heard. Make sure you let the politicians know. There has never been more money in the NHS yet the government is still cutting services when the queues are at their biggest."

Paul Rowen MP said: "The visit was hugely successful and I know that Sir Menzies was impressed by the community projects he visited.  He launched the Belfield Community Groups' new web site - even though Councillor Mark Birkett had to give him a hand to work the technology. 

"It was a pleasure to welcome Sir Menzies to Rochdale and it was a good opportunity for him to thank our members and activists as well as meeting people who play a vital role in our community."