Chris Furlong gets heavyweight backing in quest to be Labour candidate in Rochdale

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Andy Burnham with Councillor Chris Furlong

Andrew Gwynne, the Labour Party National Elections Campaign Co-Ordinator, has publicly backed Councillor Chris Furlong to be the Labour candidate for Rochdale in the forthcoming general election.

Mr Gwynne posted on social media: "Proud to have worked alongside you [Chris Furlong] on the Burnham campaign. You'll be a great local choice."

He joins the Rochdale CLP Secretary, the Rochdale CLP Member's Officer, the Rochdale CLP Women's Officer, the Rochdale CLP Political Officer, the Rochdale CLP Youth Officer, six more Rochdale Executive Officers, Central ward Chairman, Balderstone & Kirkholt ward Chairman, Balderstone & Kirkholt Treasurer and dozens of members of Rochdale CLP backing Councillor Furlong.

Councillor Furlong said he was delighted to have such a significant backer as Mr Gwynne. He added: "I have been overwhelmed by the number of people both inside and outside the party in Rochdale giving me their support and demanding that they get a local man who knows the local issues and has a track record for standing up for the electorate before anything else."

The shortlist is expected to be announced by the Labour party Sunday afernoon.

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