George Lythgoe

Coun Dearnley has paid tribute to the late Jo Cox on the 10th year since the MP’s death. He adds: “Everyone works for hard and I am so grateful for all the support I’ve had over the years. It’s been the greatest honour.”

Coun Ashley Dearnley is up and has thanked all council staff and councillors past and present during his 44 years. He admits it’s an emotional night for him… “It’s the greatest honour you can have in life to be elected so many times and serve the people of this borough.”

Coun Irene Davidson has taken over the Lib Dem tribute to Coun Dearnley, who has known him ever since starting on the council in 1990. "I count him as a friend. He has been a wonderful colleague. I will miss him, and I will miss him more than anything. I wish him all the best."

The Lib Dem leader moved onto a story where he was in the middle of nowhere in France, who knew Jim Gartside and named their dog after him saying 'holdup'

Now stands Coun Kelly, Lib Dem leader. "We will never agree on lots of things, but it is a joy to debate with you. "Thanks for being you."

I’m here in Rochdale Town Hall for the latest episode of the full council meeting.