Rochdale’s Longest-Serving Councillor Announces Retirement After 44 Years
Rochdale’s longest-serving councillor is set to step aside in May, bringing an end to a remarkable 44-year career in local politics.
Councillor Ashley Dearnley, who has represented the Rochdale Borough since 1982, will not seek re-election in the upcoming local polls. First elected at the age of 21, the conservative politician leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering dedication to the Wardle, Shore and West Littleborough ward.
For over four decades, Councillor Dearnley’s presence in the council chamber has been a constant, characterised by a deep-rooted connection to the local area. His name is so synonymous with the region that he now lives in a housing block named after him—Ashley Dearnley Court.
A Life Entrenched in Rochdale
Born and raised in the area, Councillor Dearnley lives and breathes Wardle and Littleborough. His connection to the borough is so profound that his surname, Dearnley, is also the name of a historic district in Rochdale.
Over the last four decades, he has witnessed the town change beyond recognition. As a Conservative politician, he has led his group through various political landscapes, maintaining a small but stable foothold in a council traditionally dominated by Labour. Despite never holding a majority, his influence has been significant, driven by a mantra of, “people over politics”.
This approach has fostered deep popularity in core areas such as Norden, Bamford, and Wardle. It has also allowed for cross-party cooperation, a necessity for a minority group but one that Dearnley has embraced.
Memorable Moments and Political Wins
Throughout his tenure, Councillor Dearnley has experienced several high points. One of his most cherished memories is a luncheon with the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, following her visit to cut the ribbon at Hopwood Hall College.
His political career has also been marked by tangible successes for the town. He played a pivotal role in saving the clock tower at Birch Hill Hospital and served a term as the mayor of Rochdale.
He was instrumental in the regeneration of Rochdale town centre. Councillor Dearnley recalled journeying to London to lobby for funding for the Number One Riverside council building and the town centre regeneration project.
He also worked alongside former Labour MP Simon Danczuk in 2010 to retain the scheme for the new bus station, successfully lobbying the newly formed coalition government to prevent budget cuts to the project.
Fighting for the Future
Even as he prepares to step down, Councillor Dearnley’s passion for the area remains undimmed. He continues to be a vocal advocate for preserving local green spaces, recently objecting to two housing schemes earmarked for greenbelt land in Littleborough.
Before his departure in May, Councillor Dearnley has specified that he hopes to see a relief road confirmed for Littleborough to ease growing traffic congestion, as road infrastructure has been reaching capacity amid new housing developments.
Unanimous Respect
Councillor Dearnley’s dedication to bettering the area for his residents has earned him unanimous respect across the council chamber, regardless of political allegiance. Following the announcement of his retirement, peers from all parties were quick to offer warm words and tribute to his service.
As May approaches, Rochdale prepares to say goodbye to a political stalwart whose cheeky smile and tireless advocacy have shaped the borough for nearly half a century.
Councillor Ashley Dearnley, who has represented the Rochdale Borough since 1982, will not seek re-election in the upcoming local polls. First elected at the age of 21, the conservative politician leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering dedication to the Wardle, Shore and West Littleborough ward.
For over four decades, Councillor Dearnley’s presence in the council chamber has been a constant, characterised by a deep-rooted connection to the local area. His name is so synonymous with the region that he now lives in a housing block named after him—Ashley Dearnley Court.
A Life Entrenched in Rochdale
Born and raised in the area, Councillor Dearnley lives and breathes Wardle and Littleborough. His connection to the borough is so profound that his surname, Dearnley, is also the name of a historic district in Rochdale.
Over the last four decades, he has witnessed the town change beyond recognition. As a Conservative politician, he has led his group through various political landscapes, maintaining a small but stable foothold in a council traditionally dominated by Labour. Despite never holding a majority, his influence has been significant, driven by a mantra of, “people over politics”.
This approach has fostered deep popularity in core areas such as Norden, Bamford, and Wardle. It has also allowed for cross-party cooperation, a necessity for a minority group but one that Dearnley has embraced.
Memorable Moments and Political Wins
Throughout his tenure, Councillor Dearnley has experienced several high points. One of his most cherished memories is a luncheon with the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, following her visit to cut the ribbon at Hopwood Hall College.
His political career has also been marked by tangible successes for the town. He played a pivotal role in saving the clock tower at Birch Hill Hospital and served a term as the mayor of Rochdale.
He was instrumental in the regeneration of Rochdale town centre. Councillor Dearnley recalled journeying to London to lobby for funding for the Number One Riverside council building and the town centre regeneration project.
He also worked alongside former Labour MP Simon Danczuk in 2010 to retain the scheme for the new bus station, successfully lobbying the newly formed coalition government to prevent budget cuts to the project.
Fighting for the Future
Even as he prepares to step down, Councillor Dearnley’s passion for the area remains undimmed. He continues to be a vocal advocate for preserving local green spaces, recently objecting to two housing schemes earmarked for greenbelt land in Littleborough.
Before his departure in May, Councillor Dearnley has specified that he hopes to see a relief road confirmed for Littleborough to ease growing traffic congestion, as road infrastructure has been reaching capacity amid new housing developments.
Unanimous Respect
Councillor Dearnley’s dedication to bettering the area for his residents has earned him unanimous respect across the council chamber, regardless of political allegiance. Following the announcement of his retirement, peers from all parties were quick to offer warm words and tribute to his service.
As May approaches, Rochdale prepares to say goodbye to a political stalwart whose cheeky smile and tireless advocacy have shaped the borough for nearly half a century.
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