Published May 10, 2021 at 10:15
Local elections for Rossendale Borough Council held on 6th May left no one party in overall political control of the council. Prior to the election Labour had a small majority. Following the election and then subsequent discussions within each political group Labour have 18 seats, Conservative 13, Community First 2 and the council has 3 Independent councillors.
Labour gained Stacksteads and the Conservatives gained seats in Goodshaw and Whitewell and Councillor Janet Whitehead was elected as an Independent councillor in Facit & Shawforth. Two councillors – Councillor James and Janet Eaton – have now left the Conservative group, becoming independents.
Councillor Alyson Barnes looks highly likely to remain as the Leader of the Council. The Leader will be appointed at the council’s Annual General Meeting on 21 May.
Following the election the Conservatives have appointed a new Group Leader – Councillor Margaret Pendlebury.
Neil Shaw, the Chief Executive of the council stated: “Last week’s elections have seen the Conservatives gain seats. With no one party having a majority we have been discussing with the Leaders from each party the implications over recent days. Initially it appears there will be little change to the way the council is run. At this time, I do not anticipate any change in the leadership of the council.”
Full details of the results of the election results can be found on the council’s website: https://bit.ly/rbcresults