2012 Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council election

The 2012 Rochdale Council election took place on 3 May 2012 to elect members of Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council in the North West, England. This was on the same day as other 2012 United Kingdom local elections. The Labour Party won 17 of the 20 seats with 53% of the vote, with the other three going to the Conservative Party with 27% of the vote. The Liberal Democrats lost all 11 of their seats up for re-election with 15% of the vote. This election marked the return to the council of former Leaders Richard Farnell and Allen Brett. It also produced Rochdale's youngest ever councillor in Liam O'Rourke.

These results also led to the resignation of local Liberal Democrat leader Wera Hobhouse.

After the election, the composition of the council was:
 * Labour 42
 * Conservative 13
 * Liberal Democrat 5

Littleborough Lakeside ward
In 2008 Peter Evans stood in this ward as a Liberal Democrat.

Milkstone & Deeplish ward
In 2008, Mohammad Sharif stood in this ward for the Liberal Democrats.

North Middleton ward
Maureen Rowbothan stood for the ward in 2008 as a Labour candidate.

Smallbridge & Firgrove ward
Jean Ashworth stood for the ward in 2008 as a Liberal Democrat.