Rochdalians will head to the polls on Thursday, May 7 with a total 120 candidates vying for a position on the council.
One seat on all 20 wards will be contested at this year’s local election in Rochdale. Each ward has three dedicated councillors with a total of 60 in the local authority.
A massive 120 candidates have been fielded by eight political parties and independents. Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, Workers Party, Middleton Independents and one Advance UK candidate are all in the mix.
Labour currently has an iron grip on the council with 43 council seats. The next largest political party is the Conservatives with eight councillors, then the Liberal Democrats with three and the Middleton Independents, Reform UK and Workers Party of Britain all have two.
Unlike other Greater Manchester councils, Rochdale hasn’t always been dominated by Labour, with the red rosettes only having control of the council since 2011. The council has been in no overall control a number of times throughout its history, with brief spells in charge for Lib Dems and the Conservatives.
It is mathematically possible for Labour to lose overall control of the council this time around, but it would require them to lose 13 out of the 15 seats they are defending and make no gains elsewhere.
Reform UK’s Jordan Tarrant-Short won the last council election in Rochdale – the Balderstone and Kirkholt by-election held in May 2025.
This year’s election will take place on Thursday, May 7, from 7am until 10pm. The deadline to apply for a postal vote in this year’s local elections is 5pm on Tuesday, April 21.
Residents have until midnight on Monday, April 20 to make sure they are on the electoral register and therefore entitled to vote.
Voters are reminded they will need to take ID to polling stations in order to vote.
Here is the full list of candidates names for each ward in Rochdale:
Bev Craig has confirmed that 11-16 year olds will be able to access free travel across the Bee Network from January 2027, in her first official policy announcement after being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester last week.
The Met in Bury has unveiled its autumn music programme, with a line up featuring established names from rock and pop alongside emerging artists from Greater Manchester and beyond.
Bury Council has issued five more Fixed Penalty Notices to people caught illegally dumping waste as part of its ongoing action against environmental crime.
An exhibition featuring work by artists, illustrators and poets from across the UK will open in Whitefield later this month. The community led exhibition will include submissions from poet Tony Walsh, with all artwork available to buy at accessible prices.
A 19-month-old baby almost died after suffering hypothermia, malnutrition and severe dehydration, 19 days after social services closed her case, an investigation has found.
A long established cookie shop at The Rock in Bury has reopened under a new independent brand while remaining under the same ownership and with the existing team.
Reform UK's councillor group on Rochdale Borough Council says all of its members have formally declined an increase in councillor allowances approved earlier this month.
For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.
Wide Awake Club
2:00am - 5:00am
For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.
Up Before the Alarm
5:00am - 7:00am
for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.
Wednesday Breakfast
7:00am - 10:00am
getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.
Business Spotlight
10:00am - 11:00am
Join Geoff Kirkman on The Business Spotlight show on Roch Valley Radio.
Community Spotlight
11:00am - Noon
Join Tim and Geoff on The Community Spotlight show on Roch Valley Radio is a platform for local charities and organizations to share their work with the community.
Heritage photo walk to explore Rochdale town centre landmarks
Bev Craig confirms free Bee Network travel for all 11-16 year olds on first official day as mayor
The Met announces packed autumn programme featuring Shaun Ryder and John Bramwell
Comedian Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80 after brief illness
New images reveal plans for Casewells venue at Bury Market
Five more fly tipping fines issued in Bury crackdown
Art on a Postcard exhibition to bring artists from across the UK to Whitefield
Bev Craig says she’ll be “hitting the ground running” following election as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester
Bev Craig has been elected as the next mayor of Greater Manchester.
Review into care of child who almost died due to malnutrition
Bury cookie shop relaunches as independent business after 15 years
Reform UK councillors in Rochdale reject increase in council allowances
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