Colin Lambert’s turbulent tenure as the leader of Rochdale Council is set to come to an end following a Labour group meeting on Monday evening.
Mr Lambert was unseated by former leader Richard Farnell, who led the authority in the late 80s and early 90s.
It is expected that Mr Farnell, who represents Balderstone and Kirkholt ward, will have his position ratified at a full council meeting on Wednesday.
Mr Lambert has led the council through a number of controversies throughout his four-year stint as council leader, and has amassed a number of critics.
One of his biggest critics, Labour MP Simon Danczuk, tweeted: “Good news for Rochdale that Richard Farnell is to be new council leader, commiserations to outgoing Councillor Colin Lambert.”
In December 2010 several Liberal Democrat councillors quit leaving Labour as the largest single party, and in May 2011 the party took full control by gaining an overall majority.
Labour currently has 48 councillors on Rochdale, the Conservatives 11 and the Liberal Democrats one.
In 2012 the council leader came in for heavy flak following a child grooming scandal which highlighted council failings.
There were investigations into alleged abuse by the late MP Cyril Smith at Knowl View, which was a council-run care home for boys. Knowl View closed in 1994.
Mr Lambert was also accused of being out of touch when he tried to force through a £40,000 pay rise for the council’s Chief Executive Jim Taylor.
MM have contacted Mr Lambert’s office but he was unavailable for comment.
