Rochdale’s political landscape could be radically transformed next month in the borough’s first ‘all out’ election since 2004.The borough is made up of 20 wards, each represented by three councillors who serve four year terms before standing down or seeking re-election.
During a ‘normal’ election year only a third of the councils 60 seats are up for grabs due to the way the electoral cycle works - with one in every four years being ‘fallow’. But this time a boundary shake-up means every seat is up for election and every councillor - from the leader to opposition back-benchers - needs the backing of voters if they want to hold on to theirs.
At present the council is dominated by Labour, who have 44 councillors, followed by the Tories on 11 and the Lib Dems on 4. Kath Nickson, the only independent, is not standing at this election. But could the council chamber have a very different complexion come May 6?
