Date announced for Rochdale council by-election

Tuesday, 1 April 2025 15:00

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

A by-election will be held in Rochdale at the beginning of next month following the resignation of a councillor.

Last month, Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell stepped down from her seat on the council representing Balderstone and Kirkholt. The former councillor had been on maternity leave before resign as ward representative.

Mrs Blundell will continue to focus solely on her role as Heywood and Middleton North MP, a seat she won at the general election in July last year.

It has been announced that the polls will open to voters in the ward on Thursday, May 1. No candidates have been announced yet, but it is expected that a number of local parties will field someone to try and become the newest Rochdale councillor.

Currently the Balderstone and Kirkholt ward is only represented by councillors Danny Meredith and Philip Massey.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight on Friday, April 11. Applications can be made online.

Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Floor 2, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU by 5pm on Monday, April 14.

Further information on voting in the by-election can be found on the council website.