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Labour councillor defends WhatsApp remarks about Reform and workers rights

A Labour councillor standing for re election in Smallbridge and Firgrove has responded after a WhatsApp message appeared to suggest Reform policies could benefit his business.

Screenshots of a WhatsApp exchange show the councillor writing “If reform comes in good for me as businessman” followed by “No workers right” and “Hire and fire as wished”.

The messages have been circulated and prompted criticism over reference to Reform's workers rights and employment practices.

The councillor said the comments were not intended to support the policies referenced.

When approaching Councillor Aftab Hussain he said;

“This was a personal message taken out of context. The remarks were made sarcastically to draw attention to concerns about Reform’s approach to workers’ rights.

I fully support the Labour Party’s employment rights bill and its commitment to improving the lives of working people.”

Rochdale Labour Group was approached for comment, and the group leader, Neil Emmott said;

"We have spoken with Cllr Aftab Hussain regarding the messages. We have been assured that the comments were made in a personal context and were intended to highlight concerns about Reform’s views on employment rights.

At Full Council on 15 October 2025, the Labour Group moved a motion in support of the Employment Rights Act, which Cllr Hussain voted for."

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