A vote for 'Mr Rochdale' Paul Ellison is the best outcome for Rochdale in the general election - here's why:

Date published: 20 June 2024


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With over 30 years volunteering and serving people across the whole of Rochdale, Paul Ellison is, once again, promising to continue that work as a champion for his hometown as he put’s himself forward as the perfect choice to become the next MP of Rochdale.

Rochdale-born and bred, Paul began volunteering just days after his eighth birthday and soon after received his first recognition, a Certificate of Commendation from former Countryside Ranger, Stuart Brown, for his environmental work. Now 42, Paul is a familiar face to many for his ongoing community work, such as fundraising for Springhill Hospice, award winning RHS In Bloom efforts, fighting fly-tipping and organising events to support local business and bring a sense of pride to where we live.

Now one of Rochdale’s most familiar faces around the borough, the father-of-one was voted Man of Rochdale in 2019 for his celebrated work in the community and has affectionally earned the nickname of ‘Mr Rochdale’ as a result!

With a reputation of delivering on promises made, Paul wants to be a voice for Rochdale first and foremost and tackle real issues affecting our residents – drug crime, grooming gangs, poor housing, antisocial behaviour and littering.

Here’s why a vote for Mr Rochdale is the best outcome for Rochdale in the general election

Truly local issues are at the core of Paul’s six-point plan to make Rochdale a town to be proud of

From boosting the town centre and investing in the NHS to supporting the future generations, Paul wants Rochdale to be town everyone can be proud of and shout from the rooftops about.

With over £400 million being invested into Rochdale town centre, the development of the Riverside retail area, a bustling new hotel and accommodation bringing people to town, Paul has pledged to build on this and work hard to ensure opportunities aren’t missed.

Parking provision, safety and roads around the town centre are concerns he has highlighted in his bid to support the high street and local businesses.

Real issues that matter to real Rochdale residents

Antisocial behaviour, littering and a concern over crime are real issues that can wear away at a community, as can drug crime, grooming gangs and poor housing.

The Conservative candidate promises: “Mistakes have been made by organisations who we should trust, and often because of one thing – ordinary everyday people not being listened to by those who should.

“I want to move forward in a positive way, recognise where improvements are needed, and help get them done. I will ensure that everyone has a voice, through me if necessary, and that the people of Rochdale are never overlooked, no matter who they are.”

 

Paul Ellison at the World War One memorial pop-up garden built in 2018

 

Paul’s proven track record delivering what he promises

Paul has a bursting portfolio of getting things done across the borough and isn’t afraid to get his own hands dirty with volunteering, whether it’s planting flowers and trees, clearing fly-tipping, sprucing up unloved patches of land, or hosting litter picks in his capacity as a Keep Britain Tidy ambassador.

He has been the chairman of the Norden Economic and Environmental Village Association for years and also runs his own landscaping firm.

During lockdown, Paul created the successful Rochdale’s Got Talent contest to boost people’s spirits and was a key figure in installing the beautifully poignant World War One Remembrance Garden in Rochdale town centre and the Castleton Memorial Stone.

Over the years, he has made the borough a horticultural success through a large number of Royal Horticultural Society in Bloom initiatives, helping the local Rochdale in Bloom effort achieve national success in two separate years.

The father of one said: “I firmly believe in supporting people looking to come together to make a positive change, provide resources and empower people to take action to make a place they and their families can enjoy.”

Supporting our young people

Paul said: “As a young person, I did my own National Service volunteering and it helped shape the person I am today, not afraid to get stuck in when something needs doing, always looking to support others and where we live. Developing our young people is good for everyone. Opportunities are there to access new routes to success through traineeships and apprenticeships and our newly introduced T Levels, that offer A level equivalent qualifications for those who want to learn more in a workplace setting.

“I want to encourage our local businesses to see the benefits that young people can bring in the exciting careers of the future.”

He added: “I was fortunate to have people mentor and inspire me as a young person and I see the enthusiasm and talent in our young people when working alongside them in the community in projects such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.”

 

Paul Ellison with a photograph of himself as a child with Councillor Jim Gartside
Paul with a photograph of himself as a child when his volunteering began

 

Vote for Rochdale’s voice to be heard and vote for results

“Ever since I was a young boy, I have always worked to make Rochdale a better place and somewhere for us all to be proud of. I’ve been passionate about Rochdale for over 30 years and people have seen me out in the community for just as long.

“If I am elected, I will ensure that the people of Rochdale will always have a voice that will be heard by their MP; that voice will always be put first when representing my town outside of the borough.

“If you’re unsure who to vote for, vote for the person from the town, for the town, and who will remain in the town, a man who knows this town inside out and who cares about the people in it. I’m not here to make the empty promises we all hear so often, I will continue to do as I have always done and follow through on what I set out to do

“I love Rochdale and I believe I am that candidate as people who know me know I prefer action over words, and I trust that I can count on your vote on 4th July. If you want Rochdale to be the best it can be, please vote for me; I won’t let anybody in Rochdale down.”

 

Paul Ellison with local salon owner Greg Couzens
Paul Ellison with local salon owner Greg Couzens

 

Why we’re backing Paul Ellison

Local businesses and residents alike have gone on the record to back Paul and why they think he is the best choice for Rochdale:

Chris Bell, H Bell and Sons: “I support Paul Ellison as an MP to make a difference in Rochdale for young people and families. Paul will bring an energetic and new perspective towards the community and support local businesses and people across Rochdale and the borough.

“I have known Paul for many years and he has helped our community with all of his voluntary activities such as Rochdale in Bloom and other worthwhile projects.

“As the owner of a fifth-generation business in Rochdale that employs all local people, I support his application and am happy to champion and help him in his future career as candidate.”

Local resident Gail Taylor: “I’ve known Paul for over 30 years and he has always been someone who delivers on his promise. When asked to help, he always goes that extra mile. If elected as our Member of Parliament, I’ve no doubt he will deliver on his promise to the people of Rochdale.”

Angela Collinge, Amber Pets: “Paul is very community-minded, always doing his best to bring Rochdale together and keeping our town looking neat and tidy at all times.”

Andrew Styles, Pioneer Tree Services: “Whenever I see Paul, he’s always out doing something to make Rochdale a better, safer place for everyone. With Paul as MP, we will have someone who listen and helps the people of Rochdale, by championing our town.”

Greg Couzens, of Gregory Couzens hair salon: “Paul’s dedication to improving Rochdale’s community over the years is truly commendable. Witnessing his ongoing success is a privilege; I’ve known him for many years, and his youth, hard work, and dedication to bettering the borough of Rochdale are inspiring.”

Put Rochdale first by voting for Paul Ellison and reject people who want to use our town for their own political ends: vote for a results-driven MP July 4th and vote for Mr Rochdale, Paul Ellison.

Promoted by Stephen Anstee, on behalf of Paul Ellison, both of 94 Shaftesbury Drive, Heywood, OL10 2PT.

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