Elsie Blundell has resigned as a councillor for Balderstone and Kirkholt following her election as the MP for Heywood and Middleton.
The resignation has been long awaited by both local residents in Kirkholt and members of the Rochdale Labour group, who felt that Blundell’s time needed to be spent focusing on the wider constituency.
Blundell was elected as the MP for Heywood and Middleton in the general election last year but had continued in her role as a local councillor in the weeks following. However, it was widely expected that she would step down from the council once the transition to her parliamentary role was complete.
Her resignation will now trigger a by-election for the Balderstone and Kirkholt ward, with a date to be announced in due course, but this is expected to be early May.
Labour will be looking to retain the seat, though opposition parties are also expected to contest the vacancy.
A spokesperson for Rochdale Labour Group has said: "We confirm that Cllr Elsie Blundell MP has resigned her seat.
The local Labour Party have selected Leanne Greenwood to contest the upcoming Balderstone and Kirkholt by-election."
Elsie Blundell MP has been approached for comment.
Works completed at Pilsworth McDonald’s
Early bird tickets are being released for 2026 Rochdale Feel Good Festival
Record-breaking toy appeal brings festive cheer to over 2,700 Rochdale children
Rochdale AFC kicks off football project to support people experiencing homelessness
Bury Blind Society hosts Love at First Serve to showcase sport for the visually impaired
The major project for homes, roads and tram extension
Man found dead in water at Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Emergency services respond to incident at Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Man sentenced for antisemitic social media post hours after deadly Manchester synagogue terror attack
Plans submitted to build new home in historic farmhouse garden
Radcliffe woman sentenced over £13,000 cannabis farm and cocaine possession
Inspectors raise concerns over leadership and learner development at Bury Adult Learning Service

Comments
Add a comment