The Rochdale By-Election: A Battle for Change and Representation

The small industrial town of Rochdale, located in the English county of Greater Manchester, is set to witness a significant political event on Thursday, 29th February 2023. A by-election, prompted by the unfortunate demise of Labour MP Tony Lloyd, will determine the next representative for the town in the House of Commons. Eleven candidates have put themselves forward, each with unique backgrounds, perspectives, and agendas.

Sir Tony Lloyd, a respected figure in Rochdale politics, died on 17th January 2023, just days after announcing his diagnosis of an incurable form of leukaemia. His death left a void in the Labour Party, and the ensuing by-election has attracted a diverse range of candidates. The Labour Party aims to defend its substantial majority of over 9,000 votes, which Mr. Lloyd secured in the 2019 general election.

Azhar Ali, the Labour candidate, is the leader of Lancashire County Council and was chosen from a shortlist of three. Born and raised in Brierfield, Lancashire, Councillor Ali has been a councillor in Nelson East since 2013. He served a five-year stint as a government advisor under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. At his campaign launch event, Mr. Ali emphasized the need to continue the work started by Sir Tony Lloyd, focusing on reopening the maternity unit, investment in the town centre, and free breakfast clubs in primary schools. He also expressed his desire to send a clear message to the Conservative government for a general election to remove them from power.

Mark Coleman, an independent candidate, is a long-time climate campaigner and Just Stop Oil supporter. He was a vicar in Rochdale town centre until his retirement due to Parkinson’s disease. Mr. Coleman believes the people of Rochdale deserve the truth and the need for radical action on climate change to secure a safe and stable future. He aims to allow the people of Rochdale to ‘vote change’ in this election and send a message to failing Westminster politicians.

Simon Danczuk, the Reform UK candidate, is a former Rochdale MP who was suspended from the Labour Party in 2015 over allegations of inappropriate behaviour. He left the Labour Party in 2017 and stood as an independent in the 2017 general election, receiving 1.8% of the votes. Mr. Danczuk is standing in the by-election to address the town’s issues, including the failing economy and illegal immigration. He believes the main political parties have let Rochdale down and aims to represent the town’s needs.

Iain Donaldson, the Liberal Democrats candidate, has promised to hold the Conservative government accountable for their failings on the NHS, the cost of living crisis, and water companies polluting the rivers with filthy sewage. He believes the people of Rochdale have been hammered by the cost-of-living crisis and an NHS on its knees and needs to be held to account.

Paul Ellison, the Conservative Party candidate, was voted Rochdale Man of the Year in 2020 for his efforts in helping the borough gain national recognition in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) In Bloom awards. Mr. Ellison, who runs a landscaping firm, aims to be a champion for the borough and show the difference a local candidate with Conservative values can make. He believes Labour cannot provide a plan and that nothing will improve if they are elected.

George Galloway, the Workers’ Party of Great Britain candidate, is a former Labour and Respect Party MP. He is running to teach Labour a lesson and defend the achievements of the USSR, China, Cuba, etc. His main focus during the campaign will be calling for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. He believes the people of Rochdale are vitally concerned with the issues that preoccupy him and that he would be an ideal candidate for the town.

Michael Howarth, an independent candidate, is a Rochdale-born and bred businessman who owns a number of bars in the borough and works and lives in the town. He believes previous Rochdale MPs put their party before the town and aims to prioritize smartening up the town centre, filling empty shops, and making it easier to open new businesses.

William Howarth, an independent candidate, is a local campaigner who co-founded the support group Parents Against Grooming UK (PAGUK). He has recently campaigned for better housing for people affected by damp and mould. He raised the £500 candidate registration fee from GoFundMe donations and aims to make the changes that the town wants and deserves.

Guy Otten, the Green Party candidate, will appear on the ballot paper but has stepped down from the campaign following social media posts made some years ago. The Green Party has condemned all forms of racism and discrimination and does not accept it from any of their representatives.

Ravin Rodent Subortna, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate, is awaiting a photograph and information from the BBC.

David Tully, an independent candidate, is a local businessman who aims to be a voice for the people of Rochdale across every community that wants to do good. He calls for the reinstatement of Rochdale’s maternity ward, more financial support for local businesses, and the community benefits of local amateur sports clubs. As an independent with no allegiance to any political parties or views, he just wants to do the best for his town and community.

The Rochdale by-election is a significant event for the town, with eleven candidates vying for the opportunity to represent the people of Rochdale in the House of Commons. Each candidate brings unique perspectives and agendas, making this a fascinating race to watch. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the town and its future.

In conclusion, the Rochdale by-election is a battle for change and representation. The diverse range of candidates offers the people of Rochdale a choice to select a representative who aligns with their values and priorities. The election results will determine the town’s future direction and its representation in the House of Commons. The people of Rochdale have the power to make their voices heard and choose the candidate who will best serve their interests. The by-election on 29th February 2023 is an opportunity for the town to take a step forward and shape its future.