Power cut at Rochdale local election count puts councillors and journalists temporarily in the dark

From Jack Drummond, Nic Watmough & Darren Heath - reporters on scene

Nervous councillors in Rochdale made light of a temporary power cut which has delayed the count.

Despite rumours of the count being postponed, the lights came back on some 30 minutes after a surge knocked out the power.

Councillors were taken to another room while officials desperately tried to get power back, but still managed to make light of the situation.

Colin Lambert, council leader and Labour councillor, said: "This is the only cut I didn't announce."

Cllr Ian Duckworth, Conservative, joked to MM reporters that the power cut was in line with his party’s policies. Saying: "This is our policy really - to keep you all in the dark.”

However, Cllr Jacqui Beswick, Labour, failed to see the funny side and was left wondering when her place on the council would be confirmed.

She said: “It’s deflating when you’ve geared yourself up all day but health and safety has to come first.”