Elwyn Watkins selected for Oldham East and Saddleworth

Elwyn Watkins

Rochdale Councillor Elwyn Watkins has been selected to fight Oldham East and Saddleworth for the Lib Dems.  Mr Watkins, 43 beat off four other candidates and has promised to "hit Labour hard".  

Mr Watkins, a financial analyst for a Sheikh in the Middle East said: “I am obviously delighted that local members have shown their faith in me.  I will repay that faith by working hard with Councillors and Members to regain this seat. 

"Phil Woolas MP has a poor record and I am going to expose that.  People in Oldham East and Saddleworth are sick of a largely, London based Labour apologist and want a return to a hard working local MP like Chris Davies.

" My first priority is to work with the Council Group to deliver a Lib Dem Council, just like we’ve delivered in next door Rochdale. 

"I have a track record of beating Labour and I am proud to have the opportunity to prove it.”

Mr Watkins is currently a member of Rochdale Council, and has been involved in the party for well over 20 years.  He was a central figure in Paul Rowen's successful General Election campaign in Rochdale in 2005 and has helped in numerous by-elections.  

Oldham East and Saddleworth is one of the Lib Dem’s top target seats - a 5% swing from Labour is needed to win the seat. 

Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies was MP for Littleborough amp; Saddleworth 1995-97.