All the candidates standing in the Rochdale council local elections 2022 by ward

Rochdale’s political landscape could be radically transformed next month in the borough’s first ‘all out’ election since 2004.The borough is made up of 20 wards, each represented by three councillors who serve four year terms before standing down or seeking re-election.

During a ‘normal’ election year only a third of the councils 60 seats are up for grabs due to the way the electoral cycle works - with one in every four years being ‘fallow’. But this time a boundary shake-up means every seat is up for election and every councillor - from the leader to opposition back-benchers - needs the backing of voters if they want to hold on to theirs.

At present the council is dominated by Labour, who have 44 councillors, followed by the Tories on 11 and the Lib Dems on 4. Kath Nickson, the only independent, is not standing at this election. But could the council chamber have a very different complexion come May 6?

READ MORE : All the candidates standing in the Oldham council local elections 2022 by ward

While it would no doubt be a massive shock should Labour lose control of the council, opposition groups will also be hopeful of having a bigger say in the year ahead. Labour will naturally be worried that the Clean Air Zone controversy could have an impact at the ballot box, although a similar outcry over the ‘Places for Everyone’ development plan last year appeared to do them little harm.

However, opponents are sure to look to capitalise on a 3.6pc council tax rise which came into force earlier this month. There will be similar concerns for the Tories, who will be nervously waiting to see if voters will punish them for the ‘partygate’ scandal and the growing cost of living crisis.

That could leave the door open for the Lib