Rochdale Election 2017 - Live Commentary - Tony Lloyd elected as new Rochdale MP

Tony Lloyd - Labour 29,035
Jane Howard - Conservative 14,216
Andy Kelly - Liberal Democrat 4,027
Christopher Baksa - UKIP 1,641
Simon Danczuk - Independent 883
Andy Littlewood - Greater Manchester Homeless Voice 242

 

02.20 Tony Lloyd has won the seat for Rochdale with 29,035 votes and 57.89% of the vote.

 

01.50 At this stage, it is looking like results will be announced around 2.20am.

 

01.49 Jane Howard says it looks like Labour are going to win. She remains upbeat: "We've still done very well and it looks like we have increased our vote. I hope Labour do a good job and if he doesn't, I'll be having a word with him."

 

01.47 Labour councillor Shakil Ahmed says it's looking like a clean sweep for Labour. 

 

01.44 Andy Kelly said: "It's looking like Labour will win. For us as a team, we've had a really good seven weeks. We have good members, volunteers and donations and we've done really well. 

 

Member of the Lib Dems, Rob McLean, added: "I think people have voted on a national picture rather than local."

Andy Kelly praised independent candidate Andy Littlewood, saying: "He's done really well; I have so much respect for him. He's used his platform to raise issues and myself and the Lib Dems have listened. I look forward to working with him in the future."

 

 

1.14 Jane Howard has commented she is 'quietly confident' and is 'very excited'. She added: "It's going to be close and it's a mixed bag."

 

01.07 Leader of the Council, Richard Farnell, said: "I'm really pleased with the turnout, it has gone up considerably. We are heading for a really good result for Labour and for Tony to win with a big majority. I think people respect a new candidate who respects and has experience who will take Rochdale further and speak out about the positive things.


"We have run an extremely upbeat campaign to highlight real changes to improve people's lives in the constituency. The public have responded really well to our campaign and have rejected the negative campaigns of the so-called independent and the Lib Dems.

"I look forward to a Rochdale MP  who will represent all and be a voice for Rochdale."

 

 

00.48 Christopher Baksa said: "Not feeling too positive, I was at the polling station and most people didn't have the foggiest- they were voting for Labour.

"One of the reasons we've not been able to push as hard as possible is the team at Heywood and Middleton took up most resources with Lee Seville standing there."

 

00.45 Simon Danczuk left at approximately midnight.

00.43 Tony Lloyd, Labour's candidate arrived around 20 minutes ago. He said: "We've had a very positive reception in Rochdale and I think people are hungry for change."

 

He does not think Simon's standing will divide the Labour vote, but did not wish to elaborate. 

Councillor John Blundell believes the Labour vote will remain the same and result in an 'overwhelmingly' Labour vote. 

00.40 Christopher Michael Baksa, UKIP's candidate has arrived.

 

00.25 The turnout percentage is 64.24% (50,147) for the Rochdale constituency, up from 57.4% in 2015.

 

 

00.14 Labour Councillor for Littleborough Lakeside, John Hartley, does not believe the Labour vote would be divided by Simon Danczuk standing as independent. We think we will retain our seat, but not sure over how big a majority.

"We feel the campaign on the doorstep has been positive, as expected really."

 

00.04 Jane Howard: "We really think we can do it this time. We have a strong candidate in me; I've grown up here and I know the area and know what the people want. It's been 62 years since we've had a Tory candidate in Rochdale, but I'm quite optimistic. I've spoken to people who are saying they feel they've been neglected by the Labour and the Lib Dems here.

"I think we stand a good chance tonight because Simon is standing and it may divide the Labour vote."

When asked if she'd seen a trend in voters shifting their support from Labour to Conservative, she commented she'd spoken to people, "who are concerned about the economy, but believe Theresa May will do a good job and don't trust Corbyn and his team." 

23.52 Leader of the Conservative party Ashley Dearnley says 'it is looking like a two-horse race between the Conservatives and the Labour party."

 

23.48 Simon Danczuk has arrived and refused a video interview and to talk to our reporter

23.33 Jane Howard, standing for the Conservative party, and Simon Danczuk's agent, local florist, Emma King, have arrived. Members of all parties are observing the count.

 

 

23.12 Andy Littlewood, Independent for MCR Voice for Homeless: "However many votes I get tonight is a show that people have had enough of old politics in Rochdale and that is time for a change.

"I'm not taking any vote for granted. If people feel I have done enough to get my vote, then I am honoured."

 

23.01 Andy Littlewood has arrived and is currently talking to one of our reporters.

 

 

22.56 The final box has arrived from Kingsway. All ballot boxes are now being verified.

 

22.48 We are awaiting the final boxes from Smallbridge and Firgrove, and Kingsway.


22.37 Andy Kelly and members of the Liberal Democrats are here. Andy said: "I feel really positive and think we've done really well. We've received a huge set of volunteers and donations and are looking to increase in votes."

He plans to start his local election campaign tomorrow morning (Friday 9 June).

 

 

 

22.23 All ballot boxes have arrived from Balderstone and Kirkholt have arrived at the Town Hall.

22.19 Boxes have begun to arrive from Healey, Kingsway, Milkstone and Deeplish, Balderstone and Kirkholt, Central, and Spotland and Falinge.

We will be bringing you live commentary, photos and video clips from the Rochdale count from 10pm.

The candidates in today's election are: 

• Christopher Baksa - UKIP
• Simon Danczuk - Independent
• Jane Howard - Conservative
• Andy Kelly - Liberal Democrat
• Andy Littlewood - Greater Manchester Homeless Voice
• Tony Lloyd - Labour 

View the candidates pitches at:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/elections/election-summary/27/rochdale-general-election-2017