The Rochdale housing association boss whose organisation rented out a mouldy flat to the family of two year old Awaab Ishak’s family has apologised but has dismissed calls to resign.
Gareth Swarbrick of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) said in a statement:
“I want to start by saying how sorry I am to Awaab’s family for their loss – no apology will ever be enough.
“The conversation around my position has begun to overshadow the most important part of all of this, which is that a family has lost their child.
“Having spoken to the board, I can confirm that I will not be resigning.
“They have given me their full backing and trust to continue to oversee the improvements and changes needed within RBH.”
Councillor Daniel Meredith, who is the cabinet member for highways and housing at Rochdale Council, has written a letter to Mr Swarbrick urging him to step down saying that
“As the lead member for housing in our borough, I feel I am left with little option but to ask you to reflect on your position.”
