Letter from Parliament

Paul Rowen MP

This week's Letter from Parliament is more of a reminiscence in my last few weeks as a Councillor.  I hoped you all had a good Easter and are enjoying the break.  Many people go mad when Parliament goes on recess, 'more holidays than teachers' some say!  Well I can tell you that certainly for me that is not the case.  I have been busy since Parliament broke up for Easter.  Catching up on casework, visiting places that I have meant to visit for a while.  I will report on that next week, but please allow me to look back.

If a week is a long time in politics then what of 24 years?  As I enter my last month on Rochdale Council I am reflecting on the people and the events of the last 24 years.  I'm joined by Beryl Wright (Conservative), Lynne
Brosnan (Labour) and my good friend Rodney Stott who are all standing down.

Rodney was on the Council when I was first elected back in 1983.  A character, he still holds the record for the amount raised for the Mayor's Charity.  All retiring Councillors of all political parties have given their
time and fought for their community and I salute them.

I remember also some of the characters and events during those 24 years. Bill Jenkins, our former Leader who told me I should keep quiet for three years after first being elected and listen to my elders.  At the time I had also been told by Cyril Smith that I had to make my mark quickly otherwise I would not have got in next time.  I have not shut up ever since and I was glad to pass Cyril's advice to some of our excellent newer Councillors like Dale Mulgrew and Mark Birkett. 

Memories include John Towen, who was a former Town Clerk who told me that I had no right to be concerned about asbestos in Town Hall cellars and dear old Ronnie Taylor who was my first Chairman of a committee.

When I became Leader of the Liberals in 1992, Arnold Bagnall gave me sound advice that I have followed ever since.  During a long Council Meeting (we used to go on until 12 midnight!) he told me to keep my cool and not allow myself to be dragged into the gutter.  When I felt that the then Mayor (Alan Whitehead) was cutting me off before my time was up.  I produced a model traffic light system operated by Council Officers that we've used ever since.

When I started, my party had six Councillors - in Central and Falinge and Spotland - we now have 30 and I am hoping for more after the local elections in May.  I hope that you will read all the leaflets and talk to the candidates
(whatever the party). They give their time willingly and make our town a better place.

For my part, I have been hugely privileged to serve the area where I was born.  I will continue of course to serve you as your MP and I am proud to do so.