Paul Ellison to stand as the Conservative candidate for Rochdale

Former Rochdale Man of the Year, Paul Ellison, has announced he is standing once more as the Conservative candidate for Rochdale and plans to keep fighting for the issues that matter across the borough.

The local volunteer, who runs a landscaping business, said he has always had Rochdale in his heart and, after being involved in community and environmental initiatives in his hometown for over 30 years, sees the opportunity to represent the town as its MP as chance to do more.

Mr Ellison said: “I believe there is a great opportunity to show the difference what a local candidate with Conservative values of working together, taking pride in your community, and supporting business growth can do.”

Mr Ellison, who lives in Norden, has helped Rochdale reach national recognition in RHS In Bloom awards, various floral displays, fundraising efforts with Springhill Hospice and much more, striving to show the area in a positive light.

 

 

He said: “In places like Rochdale people's aspiration can often be stifled by the impacts brought about by negative perceptions. If elected I am determined to be a champion to the borough.”

He added he wants to see the greenbelt and greenspaces preserved, but added that if elected, he would push for "more economic development across the towns and villages that make up our area to ensure our high streets and services are not left behind."

Paul also welcomes proposals introducing a National Service Scheme, adding: “I began my volunteering aged 8 and doing my own national service, which has helped shape the person I am today. I’ve also seen the positive impact that young people have had when I’ve helped with schemes such as The Duke Of Edinburgh Award and Princes Trust.”

The 42-year-old father, who is chairman of the Norden Economic and Environmental Village Association, received the highest number of votes of the major parties in the recent Rochdale by-election, but finished third behind George Galloway and independent candidate David Tully.
 

Read more: Paul Ellison and Ray Smith - Man of Rochdale 2019 joint winnersPublished: 22 November 2019

He continued: “I want to thank all those who came out to vote for me in what was a by-election that many said only diminished our area and the need for a local person with the needs of local people at their heart is needed. For that reason, I will be knocking on doors, listening to as many people and businesses as I can, keeping up my community work and asking for everyone’s support once more on July 4th.”

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 Andy Kelly for the Liberal Democrats. Reform UK is also expected to field a candidate. 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.