Lib Dems criticise Danczuk 'rail hypocrisy'

Councillor Andy Kelly

Rochdale Lib Dem Leader Councillor Andy Kelly has labelled Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk a 'hypocrite of the highest order' after Mr Danczuk criticised the cost of 'peak' time rail journeys from Rochdale through to Manchester - Mr Danczuk spoke in Parliament and called on the Government to address the 'rip off'.

Councillor Kelly said: "Speaking to local commuters, it is clear that rail prices are too high. Indeed, I know many that have swapped their shift patterns so they can travel 'off-peak'. This is becoming more typical after the introduction of peak evening fares on train services on Northern Rail Services. This means that 'off peak' tickets are now not available between 4pm and 6.30pm on weekdays. This led to a dramatic increase in fares for commuters in Rochdale - some paying anything up to 40-50% more for their evening journeys. It's clear that Northern Rail have seen an increase in revenue since the changes and I have written to them asking for a review of all fares in Rochdale. It's time that we got a fair deal."

Councillor Kelly has accused MP Simon Danczuk of hypocrisy though, citing Mr Danczuk's fondness of first class rail travel. He said: "Let's be clear, we are grateful that, for a change, our MP is doing his job. His mock concern would be somewhat more believable though if public records didn't show that since 2014 he has claimed over 100 first cass rail tickets. Whilst commuters in this Borough struggle to pay the high rail prices, here we have an MP who travels in luxury. His posh, first class rail bill must run into tens of thousands, so to claim he is concerned over commuters is quite frankly a joke.

"I am today calling for Mr Danczuk to show 'solidarity' to commuters and commit to not claiming any more first class tickets to London and travel standard class, just like his neighbouring, former Labour MP colleague Heywood and Middleton's Liz McInnes. It is not right that hard pressed tax payers are footing Mr Danczuk's exuberant tastes. The extra pound that our commuters pay is contributing to our MP's full English breakfast, complimentary newspaper and wifi - anyone can see that is not right."