Councillor Ashley Dearnley criticises "party political point scoring" over Knowl View allegations
Date published: 26 October 2017
Councillor Ashley Dearnley
Local Conservative Leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley, has criticised "party political party political point scoring regarding the historic sex allegations", regarding the current inquiry into allegations of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children at Knowl View School.
His intervention comes after Lid Dem leader in the Borough, Councillor Andy Kelly, called for "the immediate resignation of Richard Farnell as both leader of Rochdale Council and as councillor for Balderstone and Kirkholt", after Councillor Farnell gave evidence to the government’s national inquiry on child abuse.
Councillor Dearnley said: "I am saddened to read the party political point scoring regarding the historic sex allegations, when all our efforts should be focused on justice for the victims.
"We should await the recommendations from the inquiry before calling for resignations.
"The Lib Dem leader and Labour leader at the time state they knew nothing of the activities of Cyril Smith.
"Let us all focus on making sure this never happens again, and not on cheap party politics benefitting no one."
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