A LIB Dem councillor is planning to fight his controversial de-selection from this May’s local authority elections.

Denis Whittle, ward councillor for Milnrow and Newhey since 2001, has been de-selected by his colleagues in favour of Andrew Kelly, a member of Whitworth Amateur Musical and Dramatic Society.

Councillor Whittle, who at times has been a no-holds-barred representative for the Lib-Dems, was cleared of a claim in 2008 that he showed a pornographic image to a policewoman.

The claim was investigated by Rochdale Council’s chief executive Roger Ellis, former council leader Alan Taylor and the new council leader Irene Davidson.

Councillor Whittle told the Observer: "I am going to fight this de-selection as far as I can. While I have been a councillor I have always fought a hell of a lot for this village, and want to continue to do so. I was re-elected in 2006 with the third highest majority in the borough and this de-selection has been a big shock. I don’t know why the party had done this."

Councillor Whittle’s responsibilities include being a governor at Milnrow Parish School, a member of the local health partnership, and a member of the Greater Manchester Transport Authority local transport group.

He is also a member of the Pennines’ Township committee, planning sub-committee, delegated sub-committee, grant sub committee, Rochdale Council’s health overview and scrutiny committee and its joint consultative committee.

A spokesman for the Lib Dems said: "Any ward that has an election upcoming will advertise internally and any panelled candidate can put their name forward for that seat".

He added: "Voting is open to any valid member of that ward association."