The statement is issued following recent comments on social media and follows the original one made in December 2017.
On the 7th September 2017, Rod Blyth was suspended from the Liberal Democrat Group of Oldham Council following information that he had been arrested. The suspension was immediate and continued whilst GM Police conducted their investigation.
The Liberal Democrat Group has never been informed by GM Police of the nature or details of the allegations involving Mr Blyth and this has remained the situation to date.
The Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council was informed that Mr Blyth had resigned for personal reasons with immediate effect on AM Saturday 9th December 2017. Mr Blyth also resigned from the Liberal Democrats on the same date.
We are aware that Rod Blyth has been convicted of offences relating to indecent images. At that time, he was a private citizen. He was no longer a councillor nor a member of the Liberal Democrats.
Note – copy of previous statement from 11 December 2017 below
Date: 11 December 2017
Statement from Cllr Chris Gloster, Chairman of Oldham Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council
The Oldham Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council have been made aware that Cllr Rod Blyth has resigned from his position as a Borough Councillor for the Shaw Ward on Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council for personal reasons with immediate effect on Saturday 9 December 2017.
The Group have also been made aware that Cllr Blyth is subject to an ongoing police investigation.
The Liberal Democrats are unaware of the details of that investigation. The Liberal Democrat Council Group as a consequence of that information did immediately suspend (as a neutral act) Cllr Blyth from the Liberal Democrats, as per our rules about such matters.
There will be no by–election as it is less than six months to when this seat (3 May 18) would be up for election. Until that time the other Liberal Democrat Borough Councillors for Shaw and Crompton will cover all duties such as ward surgeries and casework so local residents are not disadvantaged.
No further comment will be made at this time whilst the matter is subject of a police investigation.