Statement from Councillor Chris Gloster, Chairman of Oldham Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council

Statement from Councillor Chris Gloster, Chairman of Oldham Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council.

The Oldham Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council has been made aware that Councillor Rod Blyth has resigned from his position as a Borough Councillor for the Shaw Ward on Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council for personal reasons with immediate effect on Saturday 9 December 2017.

The group has also been made aware that Councillor Blyth is subject to an ongoing police investigation.

The Liberal Democrats are unaware of the details of that investigation. The Liberal Democrat Council Group as a consequence of that information did immediately suspend (as a neutral act) Councillor Blyth from the Liberal Democrats, as per our rules about such matters.

There will be no by–election as it is less than six months to when this seat (3 May 2018) would be up for election. Until that time the other Liberal Democrat Borough councillors for Shaw and Crompton will cover all duties such as ward surgeries and casework so local residents are not disadvantaged.

No further comment will be made at this time whilst the matter is subject of a police investigation.