UKIP public meeting in Heywood

Paul Nuttall (second from left) with local party members

UKIP held a public meeting in Heywood and the party's deputy leader, Paul Nuttall, was the guest speaker at the event, which addressed the subject of "Why vote UKIP?"

Mr Nuttall, a regular guest on national television and radio programmes including BBC’s "Question Time" is UKIP’s MEP for the North West.

Following the "well attended" event he congratulated the newly formed Rochdale branch, which is chaired by Warren Mitchell.

“Membership figures for UKIP are going through the roof and it is clear that that interest includes people living in the Rochdale area,” he said.

"More and more people realise that we are the party of common sense. They are fed up with the other three main parties and realise we are the only party offering the opportunity for real change.

“Sadly many people are so disillusioned with politicians they don’t bother to vote at all but increasingly canvassers are finding that more of these electors are finding our policies resonate with them and are intending voting.

"As well as the Euro-elections in May there will also be local council elections and we are planning to field a full slate of candidates,” said Mr Nuttall.