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:
A woman believed to be in her 40s has died after officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare at Freehold Flats on Tweedale Street in Rochdale on Sunday afternoon.
Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.
We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.
We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.
St Cuthbert’s R.C. High School in Rochdale has told parents that industrial action is set to continue after half term, with disruption expected across June.
Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.
Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.
Oldham College and Oldham Council have launched a campaign encouraging employers to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days to help more young people into work, training and education.
The initiative launched on 21 May and will run throughout the summer recruitment period.
Vintage Vibes is returning to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend with live tribute acts, Northern Soul favourites and all day heritage rail travel included in ticket prices across Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May.
Woman found dead at Freehold Flats in Rochdale as murder investigation begins
Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out
🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway
Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else
RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One
Parents face over 12 days of more disruption as St Cuthbert’s strike action continues
Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events
Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal
Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days
Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield
Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward
Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend
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