Councillor Andy Kelly selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Rochdale

Andy Kelly

Rochdale Liberal Democrats have selected Councillor Andy Kelly to be their candidate for Rochdale in the forthcoming general election. Andy, who was first elected as councillor for Milnrow in 2010, has been the group leader since 2012.

“I was born, like many others, at Birch Hill hospital and have lived my entire life Rochdale. I’ve lived in Norden, Spotland, Hamer, Newbold and for the past twenty five years in Milnrow,” said Mr Kelly. “I went to school in Rochdale, raised my family here, studied via the Open University here and work from here. I am incredibly proud to say I am from Rochdale.

“But our town has suffered reputationally for a number of years now. It has dampened confidence, belief and investment. I would like to change that. We need an MP who is from Rochdale and for Rochdale - someone who truly understands our different communities and the challenges they face. We are not all the same, but we are all Rochdalian.”

Mr Kelly will be publishing his manifesto later this week, but has made his first promise to the electorate already:

“I pledge to open a constituency office in the town centre that is open seven days a week, with human contact. I think that Rochdale deserves an MP who is committed to change and will be an advocate for their constituents. I believe in a fair, open and liberal society where no one should be left behind and other people’s views should not be ignored. I want you consider giving me your vote.

“The Liberal Democrats on Rochdale Council are the party that has spoken up for violence against women, declared a climate emergency and called for a ceasefire in Palestine - among many other things over the past decade and a half.”

Other candidates already confirmed for the Rochdale constituency include; current MP George Galloway for the Workers Party of Britain, Paul Waugh for Labour, Martyn Savin from the Greens and Paul Ellison from the Conservatives. David Tully, who stood as an independent in the by-election and came second, has said he is not going to stand.

The general election is scheduled for 4 July and nominations close on 7 June.