Tony Lloyd chosen as Labour candidate for Rochdale

Tony Lloyd

Tony Lloyd has been selected as the Labour Party candidate in the forthcoming general election.

It is understood Mr Lloyd was regarded by the three-person NEC selection panel as a unifying candidate with strong local connections.

Mr Lloyd served as a Trafford councillor from 1979 to 1984. In 1983, he was elected MP for Stretford, representing the constituency until 1997.

He served as Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner between 2012 and 2017, and was the interim Mayor of Greater Manchester between 2015 and 2017.

Mr Lloyd said: “Rochdale is a community that needs something different from this Tory government which has wreaked havoc on public services and mishandles the Brexit debate. Labour is the only party that can speak for the people of Rochdale.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to serve the people of Rochdale as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate. I look forward to getting out there, meeting and listening to the people of Rochdale.”

Councillor Allen Brett has welcomed Mr Lloyd's selection, he said: "I welcome Tony Lloyd being selected, he is the ideal candidate for Rochdale. As Greater Manchester Mayor he was always happy to come here and meet. I know he will be an effective MP and represent Rochdale people well." 

The Leader of Rochdale Labour, Councillor Richard Farnell added: "An excellent choice, Tony Lloyd is the best candidate for Rochdale, he has got lots of experience in Parliament and government, he has a strong track record of standing up and fighting for people. He is the best candidate, one the party can unite around and go on and win the election."