A vote for 'Mr Rochdale' Paul Ellison is the best outcome for Rochdale in this month’s by-election - here's why:

Date published: 22 February 2024


Advertising Feature

With a proven track record of results dating back over 30 years, Paul Ellison’s community efforts in his hometown and borough speak for themselves, highlighting exactly why he is the perfect choice to become the next MP of Rochdale.

Rochdale-born and bred, Paul began volunteering just days after his eighth birthday – and he has never looked back. He received his first recognition at the age of 12, where the countryside ranger at the time, Stuart Brown, awarded him a Certificate of Commendation for various projects in the countryside.

Now one of Rochdale’s most familiar faces around the borough, the father-of-one was voted Man of Rochdale in 2019 for his celebrated work in the community and has affectionally earned the nickname of ‘Mr Rochdale’ as a result!

 

Paul with the Man of Rochdale plate
'Mr Rochdale' was named the Man of Rochdale
in 2019 for his community efforts over the decades

 

With a tangible record of getting things done, Paul has promised to be a voice for Rochdale first and foremost and tackle real issues affecting our residents – drug crime, grooming gangs, poor housing, antisocial behaviour and littering.

Here’s why a vote for Mr Rochdale is the best outcome for Rochdale in this month’s by-election:

Truly local issues are at the core of Paul’s six-point plan to make Rochdale a town to be proud of

From boosting the town centre and investing in the NHS to supporting the future generations, Paul wants Rochdale to be town everyone can be proud of and shout from the rooftops about.

With over £400 million being invested into Rochdale town centre, the development of the Riverside retail area, a bustling new hotel and accommodation bringing people to town, Paul has pledged to build on this and work hard to ensure opportunities aren’t missed.

Parking provision and roads around the town centre are two concerns he has highlighted in his bid to support the high street and local businesses.

 

Paul Ellison with local salon owner Greg Couzens
Paul will prioritise the high street and local businesses
(pictured with Greg Couzens)

 

Real issues that matter to real Rochdale residents

Antisocial behaviour, littering and a concern over crime are real issues that can wear away at a community, as can drug crime, grooming gangs and poor housing.

The Conservative candidate promises: “Mistakes have been made by organisations who we should trust, and often because of one thing – ordinary everyday people not being listened to by those who should.

“I want to move forward in a positive way, recognise where improvements are needed, and help get them done. I will be vigilant and ensure that everyone has a voice, through me if necessary, and that the people of Rochdale are never overlooked, no matter who they are.”

 

Paul Ellison gets his hands
Paul clearing fly-tipping in 2016

 

Paul’s proven track record

Paul has a bursting portfolio of getting things done across the borough and isn’t afraid to get his own hands dirty with volunteering, whether it’s planting flowers and trees, clearing fly-tipping, sprucing up unloved patches of land, or hosting litter picks in his capacity as a Keep Britain Tidy ambassador.

He has been the chairman of the Norden Economic and Environmental Village Association for years and also runs his own landscaping firm.

 

Paul Ellison with his award
Paul was the first recipient of the RHS People’s Community accolade 

 

During lockdown, Paul created the successful Rochdale’s Got Talent contest to boost people’s spirits and was a key figure in installing the beautifully poignant World War One Remembrance Garden in Rochdale town centre and the Castleton Memorial Stone.

Over the years, he has made the borough a horticultural success through a large number of Royal Horticultural Society in Bloom initiatives, helping the local Rochdale in Bloom effort achieve national success in two separate years.

The father of one said: “I firmly believe in supporting people looking to come together to make a positive change, provide resources and empower people to take action to make a place they and their families can enjoy.”

 

Paul Ellison at the World War One memorial pop-up garden built in 2018
Paul at the World War One memorial pop-up garden at its original location before becoming
a permanent fixture near the Memorial Gardens and Cenotaph

 

Supporting our young people

Paul said: “Supporting our young people is good for everyone and now, more than ever, they can access different routes to success, traineeships and apprenticeships and our newly introduced T Levels, that offer A level equivalent qualifications for those who want to learn more in a workplace setting.

“I want to encourage our local businesses to see the benefits that young people can bring in the exciting careers of the future.”

He added: “I was fortunate to have people mentor and inspire me as a young person and I often see the enthusiasm and talent in our young people when working alongside them in the community.”

 

Paul Ellison with a photograph of himself as a child with Councillor Jim Gartside
Paul with a photograph of himself as a child when his volunteering began

 

Vote for Rochdale’s voice to be heard and vote for results

“Ever since I was a young boy, I have always worked to make Rochdale a better place and somewhere for us all to be proud of. I’ve been passionate about Rochdale for over 30 years and people have seen me out in the community for just as long.

“If I am elected, I will ensure that the people of Rochdale will always have a voice that will be heard by their MP; that voice will always be put first when representing my town outside of the borough.

“If you’re unsure about who to vote for this month, vote for the person not the party: vote for a person who gets things done, for a person who knows this town inside out and who cares about it, about improving it and putting local issues at the heart of everything they do. I’m not here to play politics and use Rochdale for my own political gains; that’s not who I am.

“I love Rochdale and I believe I am that candidate as people who know me know I prefer action over words, and I trust that I can count on your vote on 29 February. If you believe in results and for Rochdale to be the best it can be, please vote for me; I won’t let anybody in Rochdale down.”

 

Paul with a cheque for Springhill Hospice
Paul's Rochdale's Got Talent contest raised over £8,000 for local charity, Springhill Hospice

 

Why we’re backing Paul Ellison

Local businesses and residents alike have gone on the record to back Paul and why they think he is the best choice for Rochdale:

Chris Bell, H Bell and Sons: “I support Paul Ellison as an MP to make a difference in Rochdale for young people and families. Paul will bring an energetic and new perspective towards the community and support local businesses and people across Rochdale and the borough.

“I have known Paul for many years and he has helped our community with all of his voluntary activities such as Rochdale in Bloom and other worthwhile projects.

“As the owner of a fifth-generation business in Rochdale that employs all local people, I support his application and am happy to champion and help him in his future career as candidate.”

Local resident Gail Taylor: “I’ve known Paul for over 30 years and he has always been someone who delivers on his promise. When asked to help, he always goes that extra mile. If elected as our Member of Parliament, I’ve no doubt he will deliver on his promise to the people of Rochdale.”

Angela Collinge, Amber Pets: “Paul is very community-minded, always doing his best to bring Rochdale together and keeping our town looking neat and tidy at all times.”

Andrew Styles, Pioneer Tree Services: “Whenever I see Paul, he’s always out doing something to make Rochdale a better, safer place for everyone. With Paul as MP, we will have someone who listen and helps the people of Rochdale, by championing our town.”

Greg Couzens, of Gregory Couzens hair salon: “Paul’s dedication to improving Rochdale’s community over the years is truly commendable. Witnessing his ongoing success is a privilege; I’ve known him for many years, and his youth, hard work, and dedication to bettering the borough of Rochdale are inspiring.”

 

Paul Ellison
Vote for a results-driven MP this 29 February and vote for Paul

 

Put Rochdale first by voting for Paul Ellison and reject people who want to use our town for their own political ends: vote for a results-driven MP this 29 February and vote for Mr Rochdale, Paul Ellison.

Promoted by Tom Watson on behalf of Paul Ellison, both of 19 Falcon Close, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7RY

Do you have a story for us?

Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.


To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.

To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.


While you are here...

...we have a small favour to ask; would you support Rochdale Online and join other residents making a contribution, from just £3 per month?

Rochdale Online offers completely independent local journalism with free access. If you enjoy the independent news and other free services we offer (event listings and free community websites for example), please consider supporting us financially and help Rochdale Online to continue to provide local engaging content for years to come. Thank you.

Support Rochdale Online