Lib Dems Celebrate 175th Anniversary of Rochdale Reform Association

12.00.00am GMT Tue 8th Dec 2009

Liberal Democrats from across the country came together at a packed Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the formation of the Rochdale Reform Association.

The evening was hosted by Rochdale MP Paul Rowen and was attended by Lib Dems from across the country, keen to celebrate such a momentous occasion. The guest speaker at the event was Lord McNally, the current Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

The event marked 175 years of Liberalism in Rochdale. Following the passing of the Great Reform Bill in 1832, Rochdale became a parliamentary constituency. The electorate of just 632 voters returned John Fenton, a Liberal, as their MP and this was the first time that Rochdale was represented by a Liberal.

The first meeting of the Rochdale Reform Association took place on the 1st December 1834 at the Old Clock Face Inn and was set up by local solicitor Richard Shuttleworth.

Since then, Rochdale has returned many Liberal MPs and it is a tradition that has continued most recently with Sir Cyril Smith, Liz Lynne and current Rochdale MP, Paul Rowen.

Speaking about the event, Paul Rowen MP said, "This year's annual dinner has proven to be extra special. 175 years of continuous history making and political influence is a wonderful achievement and I am very proud and honoured to have hosted the evening.

"As a Liberal myself it gives me great pleasure to see the way in which the party has grown, and continues to do so. Locally, we now control most of the major cities and boroughs outside of London and the number of MPs we have in parliament is continuing to grow too. We are fast becoming a formidable force in Parliament and the upcoming General Election will reflect that".

Guest Speaker at the event, Lord McNally added: "It is with a great deal of pride that I attend the 175th anniversary of the Rochdale Reform Association. Twenty five years ago I attended the 150th anniversary dinner and today I am a guest speaker at the 175th! It is wonderful to watch the growth and success of the organisation and particularly the success of the Liberal Democrats in Rochdale. Rochdale is a town with a long history of liberalism and the more you get involved with the party here the more you realise what a long and proud history they have."