Could voters send Rochdale on a new political course at its first all-out election for nearly 20 years?

Voters in Rochdale could set the borough on a new political course next week when the polls open for the first ‘all out’ council elections in nearly 20 years. Labour currently dominates at the town hall, holding 44 of its 60 seats, while the Tories are the second largest group with 11 elected members.

The Lib Dems have four councillors and there is one independent - Kath Nickson - who is not standing for re-election this time round. The borough is made up of 20 wards, each represented by three councillors who normally serve four year terms before standing down or seeking re-election.

All that could be turned on its head on Thursday though, as changes to ward boundaries mean every seat is up for grabs instead of the usual third. It's the borough's first 'all out' council election since 2004 - and whether Rochdalians will opt for a radical change of political direction or stick with the tried and tested remains to be seen.

READ MORE : All the candidates standing in Greater Manchester local elections 2022 by ward

But there are undoubtedly some intriguing factors at play that could spring a surprise or two at the ballot box. Labour will naturally be worried that the Clean Air Zone controversy could hurt their chances, despite the scheme being put on hold and Mayor Andy Burnham assuring voters any new proposal would be ‘non-charging’.

Controversy raged after CAZ signs went up after Christmas - although a similar outcry over the ‘Places for Everyone’ development plan did little to harm Labour last year. The group emerged from the 2021 elections with a net gain of one extra councillor. However, opponents - particularly the Conservatives - are sure to look to capitalise on a 3.6pc council tax rise which came into force earlier