Farnell to challenge Lambert for leadership

Councillor Richard Farnell and Councillor Colin Lambert

As we reported in April, former leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Richard Farnell is expected to challenge current leader, Councillor Colin Lambert for the leadership.

It is a battle that will be decided at a meeting on Monday evening (2 June) at the local Labour Party annual meeting.

Support for Councillor Lambert comes mainly from Heywood and Middleton councillors whereas Councillor Farnell's backers are mainly Rochdale councillors.

Councillor Farnell is backed by Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, who is a strident critic of Councillor Lambert; Heywood & Middleton MP Jim Dobbin backs Councillor Lambert.

Councillor Lambert has had a difficult past year as leader but is credited by his supporters as having done a "very creditable job in difficult circumstances" having had to oversee the biggest cut in the council budget in history; his detractors think differently and criticise his leadership style.

Councillor Farnell was leader of Rochdale Council in the 1990s. He lost his seat in the late 90s and started a course in journalism at university before taking a job at Liverpool Council.

His critics say he is "Danczuk's puppet", and point out that his leadership in the 90s was mired in controversy. 

Both sides believe they have the necessary backing to win the contest. Whichever candidate wins the local Labour group is destined to remain deeply divided.