A former Labour mayor of Rochdale has defected to the Liberal Democrats.
Councillor Mohammed Zaman confirmed his decision to cross the floor citing ‘in-fighting’ and splits within Labour ranks for his departure. It means the Lib Dems now have four members on the council.
The move comes after Coun Zaman was deselected as a candidate for Milkstone and Deeplish ward at this year’s ‘all out elections’. His ward colleagues - former leader Coun Allen Brett and Coun Sameena Zaheer - have also been replaced, meaning Labour will field a completely new slate in May, when all 60 council seats are up for grabs.
