Rochdale Lib Dems Select Replacement Leader

Cllr. Alan Taylor - new Leader of the Lib Dem Group for Rochdale Council

Councillor Alan Taylor has taken Paul Rowen’s place as Lib Dem Council Group Leader, and was elected at a meeting of the Rochdale Lib Dem Council Group this week. Councillor Alan Taylor, who represents the Healey Ward, has stepped in after Cllr. Paul Rowen MP has led the Lib Dems in Rochdale for over fifteen years.
 
Cllr. Alan Taylor has pledged to continue the growth of the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale and will continue the work of Paul Rowen MP.  He said, "It's never been better to be a Liberal Democrat here in Rochdale.  It's been a great year; we now have twenty seven Councillors on the Council, 2 Members of the European Parliament and of course, we have Paul Rowen as an MP, a Liberal Democrat once again here in Rochdale. 

“It's business as usual for us here in Rochdale and we will continue as the biggest group to put positive policies for the people of Rochdale at the forefront of what we will do.  These include improving recycling, continuing to lobby for the Metrolink and new Bus Station and improving the safety of the people of Rochdale."

Cllr. Jean Ashworth said: “Although we’ve had Paul Rowen for so many years, Alan’s ideas are good, and he will be an asset to the Rochdale Lib Dems. He has what it takes to take us forward.”
 
Alan Taylor was first elected to Rochdale Council over thirty years ago, and in this time he has been Leader of the Group and Deputy Leader.  He has been seen as radical and successful in his political jobs including Chairman of the Housing Services Committee.  He has a wealth of campaigning experience most notably as Election Agent for Sir Cyril Smith MBE, Campaign Manager for Liz Lynne MEP and most recently Paul Rowen MP.
 
Alan left Council in 1987 to pursue his business interests but returned in 2004.  Alan was Chair of the Rochdale Township last year.  Alan believes his time spent away from Local Government has enabled him to see local politics from two perspectives and believes this knowledge is vital. 

He said, "I really enjoyed working with the Township staff over the last year and now look forward to the challenge of leading the Lib Dem Group on the Council.  I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of Cllr. Paul Rowen MP has been elected to fight for Rochdale in the House of Commons.  For fifteen years Paul has led our party from the front and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity."