UPDATE: |Every candidate hoping to win the Balderstone and Kirkholt council by-election in Rochdale News

The by-election is due to be held on Thursday, May 1

Seven candidates will battle it out at next month’s by-election to become Rochdale’s newest councillor.

The Balderstone and Kirkholt seat at the town hall was left vacant following the resignation of MP Elsie Blundell last month.

The former councillor stepped down after returning from maternity leave to focus on her new role as MP for Heywood and Middleton North – a seat she won at last year’s general election.

The Balderstone and Kirkholt ward is currently represented by councillors Danny Meredith and Philip Massey.

Polls will open on Thursday, May 1 to decide who will take the third vacant council seat.

Six candidates representing Labour, the Conservatives, the Lib Dems, Workers Reform, the Greens – as well as an independent candidate – are in the running.

• Leanne Greenwood (Labour)
• Billy Howarth (Independent)
• Chariss Laura Peacock (Lib Dem)
• Laura Pugh (Workers Party)
• Mudassar Razzaq (Conservatives)
• Martyn David Savin (Greens)
• Jordan Tarrant-Short (Reform)

Here is what each candidate has to say to the Balderstone and Kirkholt residents…

Leanne Greenwood – Labour Party

“As a mother of two young children, I am passionate about making my town a better place, which if elected I will be able to do. I want Rochdale to be the best place it can be – a flourishing town where no one is left behind.

“There are lots of positives happening in Rochdale at the moment and lots of opportunities on the horizon. If elected I will make sure the ward, its residents and its businesses benefit from these opportunities.

“I have plenty of experience representing people. I have been a trade union representative for years, sticking up for people and making sure their voices are heard. I will use these skills to deliver for all my constituents.

“I am so pleased I have already made a difference. I have secured funding for Balderstone Park and already campaigned for improved safety in the area. I have already begun to address issues that matter to you including campaigning against a return of the funfair and the increasing litter in our area.”

Billy Howarth – Independent

William Howarth, better known as Billy Howarth, says he’s running as an independent candidate for Balderstone and Kirkholt in an attempt to ‘break the Labour monopoly’.

He said: “After a close second last election, I’m determined to give residents a real voice. This ward deserves councillors who scrutinize decisions, not rubber-stamp them under party pressure.

“I’ve spent two decades fighting for our town’s children, both past and present, and the last three supporting families through the devastating damp and mould crisis. Unlike other parties, I chose independence to represent you, not a political agenda.

“A vote for me sends a clear message to Starmer: Balderstone and Kirkholt says no to unchallenged Labour control. Any councillor allowance will be reinvested directly into our community or returned to the council, ensuring your money benefits Balderstone and Kirkholt.”

Chariss Peacock – Liberal Democrats

“Labour’s cruellest cuts are local. Take the two child benefits cap, it is leaving thousands of children here in Rochdale in poverty, and we have some of the worst levels of child poverty in the country.

“With the Winter Fuel Allowance, Labour are telling senior citizens like my grandma she will have to choose between heating or eating. And Labour’s ditching of their promise to the WASPI Women will affect many women pensioners.

“Labour are refusing to pay that compensation. It’s not right.

“Labour’s announcement of more austerity cuts to PIP is so stressful. A lot of people are now in the position of wondering if they are going to be able to get the help they need.

“We have been let down by both the Labour and Conservative parties, I just want to ask people here in Balderstone and Kirkholt to vote for me and give me a chance to try to speak up for them and put things right.”

Laura Pugh – Workers Party

A Workers Party spokesperson said: “Laura says getting things done, and making a difference is important. She is positive about the change that she can make to everyday life, by sweeping away the old and bringing in the new.

“As a young mum of four, she understands the issues the community faces. Laura knows families need extra support. Growing up in Kirkholt she went to the local secondary school, and has many friends within the community.

“She is working with Workers Party Councillors to apply for funding for older residents. With more news to come, imagine what she can do if elected. Laura is actively seeking partners to help under privileged kids. With ideas for a youth club scheme to end the anti- social behaviour.

“She’s campaigning to introduce traffic calming measures that work. Laura wants to fight to upgrade the housing so that people can live in decent homes not rundown Labour homes.

“Laura asks for your vote because actions speak louder than words.”

Mudassar Razzaq – Conservative Party

The Conservative candidate said: “I’m here to offer you a real alternative locally.

I believe I’m the ideal candidate to represent you. I operate my business here and already serve this ward every day.

“I am passionate about all parts of our ward and understand the issues that affect our community. Because I work here, I know what the issues are and what is important to our residents. What is important to you is important to me.

“With your support, I would represent you and, where required, challenge Council decisions on where your money is being spent. This election is your opportunity to vote for someone who will work hard and go the extra mile for you.

“I would be proud to represent the ward and promise that if you lend me your vote, I will work tirelessly to promote local issues and stand up for what matters.”

Martyn Savin – Green Party

“I live in Milnrow with my wife Karen. Many years ago I lived in the area on Craiglands and went to Balderstone High School.

“I seriously believe the only way forward for the country is the Green Party, as Labour and the Conservatives have let this country down and Reform cannot be trusted. The Green Party will invest in local infrastructure like schools, roads and hospitals which have been badly under funded.

“We will raise the money by taxing the very rich more and coming down on tax avoidance schemes, also make companies like Amazon and Google pay their fair share of tax in the UK.

“We also believe the NHS should be protected at all costs. Reform wants an insurance based health scheme as Nigel Farage has said on many occasions, this must not be allowed to happen.”

Jordan Tarrant-Short – Reform UK

“Born and raised in the area I understand the everyday challenges our community faces because I live them too – rising bills, overstretched services and limited opportunities for our young people.

“I’m standing for Reform UK to give our area a voice that truly represents local people, not distant party agendas.

“I’ll fight for better GP access, improved roads and public transport and more school funding. You’ll see me active in the community all year round, not just at election time. Reform UK stands for common sense policies: cutting taxes for low earners, investing in British infrastructure, tackling illegal immigration and restoring pride in places like ours.

“It’s time for honest, visible leadership that puts Balderstone and Kirkholt first. If you’re tired of being ignored by career politicians, let’s change that together. A vote for me is a vote for action, accountability and a better future for our local community.”