Jacqui Beswick to challenge Allen Brett for Labour leadership

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Councillor Jacqui Beswick is to challenge Councillor Allen Brett for the leadership of the local Labour Party at the Annual General Meeting of the Labour group on Sunday. 

During an interview with Rochdale Online at Heywood Sports Centre following the local election count, Councillor Beswick said a change is needed following recent controversies involving the Labour leadership.

Councillor Beswick said: "Recent events in Rochdale have shown there is a need for change in Leadership.

"Some of us tried to make this make this point when the national party asked the previous leader to step down last November following his evidence to the IICSA inquiry.

"This should have been an opportunity for a new broom to sweep out the old order instead it was consolidated with backers of the former leader who seemed in denial.

"Timescales were deliberately short and instead Richard Farnell's close ally and deputy [Allen Brett] took over. 

"At this time the level of change at the top was not sufficient, which why a number of cabinet members and a deputy resigned last December.

"Rochdale and its residents deserve better than this and especially after the IICSA report that has identified historic failings 

"I believe fresh Leadership is important to take the Borough forward. For this reason I am putting my name forward at the next group AGM with an agenda for change that says the old ways of doing things are not good enough for Rochdale. 

"If elected I would, rather unbelievably, be the first female Labour leader the Borough has had and that of itself says a lot, but should also send a message.

"The Borough faces many challenges and has been doing a lot right in recent years, not least in dealing effectively with the child protection issues that historically have been an issue. 

"We need to build confidence with residents and businesses that we can do things right and make a success from the many opportunities there are.

"Residents and members of the Labour Party in Rochdale should demand and expect high standards from their councillors and political Leaders 

"I want to see that change implemented through fresh leadership."