Councillor Peter Rush joins Labour

Liz Mcinness MP, Labour Council Leader Richard Farnell and Councillor Jacquie Beswick welcome Councillor Peter Rush to the Labour Party.

Councillor Peter Rush has joined the Labour party.

The long-standing Lib Dem Heywood councillor announced his decision to a meeting of Liberal Democrat members this week.

Councillor Rush said: “This has been a very difficult decision for me as I have many friends and supporters in the Liberal Democrats. However, my main priority has always been, and always will be, the people of Heywood. After much thought and talking to friends and colleagues, I feel I can achieve much more for Heywood by being part of a united Heywood Township team. I will have much more influence working in partnership with the eight Labour councillors in Heywood rather than being a lone Liberal Democrat voice in the town.”

In his resignation letter to the Liberal Democrats, Councillor Rush said: “I am proud of my record of service for the people of Heywood. I still feel I could achieve more and this move is to join the other Heywood councillors and unite the township to give Heywood a stronger voice in Rochdale Town Hall.

“This move will not affect my daily council work which I consider to still be my main objective, nor will it alter my belief of local people before local politics, I feel this will give me the opportunity to achieve even more for the town and its people.

“I have always felt I have been an ambassador for Heywood and put the people at the forefront of my efforts, my personal values and my vision for the town are unchanged. I will continue to fight for the reopening of the tip, retaining our health services, reducing the effects of any cuts and defending the town on every occasion it is called upon.

“I will still work hard for the town with my fellow councillors and by uniting the township it will give the best representation for Heywood people. I would like to thank my local supporters and hope that they understand this decision and ask that they continue to support me."

Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes welcomed Councillor Rush to the Labour Party. She said: “Peter is an excellent councillor and a great champion for local residents. I look forward to working with him and the united Labour team in Heywood to achieve the best for the town and local people, which is the most important thing for all of us.”

Chairman of Heywood Township Councillor Ray Dutton said: “I have always respected Peter as a man of great integrity who always has Heywood and its people at heart. It is a brave decision, but the right one. I know by having a united team we will be a much stronger and powerful Township working hard for Heywood residents.”

Councillor Jacquie Beswick said: “I have been talking to Peter for several months and I am delighted he is joining us. He recognises that being a lone opposition voice in Heywood and one of only two Lib Dems on the Council severely hampers what he is able to deliver for his constituents. We now have a united Labour team to speak up for Heywood.”

Rochdale Council and Labour Group Leader Richard Farnell said: “Peter’s decision to join us is a great coup for Labour. I know he will be warmly welcomed by all Labour councillors throughout the borough and will be a great addition to the team. He is, after all, known as Mr Heywood.

“Peter will always put his home town first, but he recognises the best way to achieve this is being a strong voice in a strong team.

"The Council and Heywood face some really tough decisions in the coming months as central government make sweeping cuts to local services. By working together as a united team we can achieve the very best for all the people of the borough.”