Tony Lloyd welcomes former Mayor Allan Whitehead back into the Labour party

Tony Lloyd welcomes former Mayor Allan Whitehead back into the Labour Party

Allan Whitehead, a former Mayor, has rejoined Labour following the decision by the party to sack Simon Danczuk as its candidate for Rochdale.

A former longstanding Labour councillor and Mayor Mr Whitehead, along with his wife Marjorie, left the party because he was "disgusted by the antics" of Danczuk.

Mr Whitehead, currently an Alderman of the borough, said: "I'm really pleased Tony Lloyd is Labour's candidate. I like him. He's well respected and will be a great champion of our town.

"What's more he's got the ability and knowledge to get things done. He has the experience to deliver big changes for the better for Rochdale.

"I quit Labour because, quite frankly, I was disgusted by the antics of our former MP. All the lurid and sleazy newspaper stories have brought disgrace on him and Rochdale.

"At last, we will have a real Labour MP who puts local people first. Rochdale needs an MP who will stand up for ordinary people. With Tony Lloyd we will have a real fighter."

Former mayor Robin Parker is also re-joining the party. He said: "I feel able to join the party again which I first joined in 1975 and from which I would never have dreamed my conscience would force me to resign. I will feel good to be back. Simon Danczuk brought the party and the town into disrepute.

"Tony Lloyd will be a hard worker for Rochdale and will put his constituents - not himself - first at all times. He will be an excellent choice for Rochdale."

Tony Lloyd said: "The support I have received right across the party has been remarkable. I am pleased so many residents are also are joining us. We are all united and geared up to win Rochdale for Labour.

"Thousands of people in Rochdale have suffered the worst effects of this Tory government. Cuts to our hospital services; young people unable to get a job; severely disabled people suffering reductions to their income; homelessness on the rise. That's why we need a Labour MP for Rochdale."

It is understood that over 100 people have joined the local party in the first four days since former MP and Greater Manchester Mayor Tony Lloyd was announced as Labour's official candidate for the town.

A party spokesman said: "Since Tony was selected as our candidate there has been a surge of new members joining. There is great enthusiasm for Tony and we have hundreds of members out on the streets campaigning for a Labour win."