Tony Lloyd speaks about his election campaign

Tony Lloyd

Tony Lloyd, the Labour candidate in Rochdale for the forthcoming general election says there is a clear choice in the election on Thursday 8 June.

Mr Lloyd said: "Five more years of the Conservatives would be bad for you, for Rochdale and for Britain.

"Their plans would put the NHS and our public services at risk, while families and pensioners face being far worse off.

"Our senior citizens are threatened with cuts to the value of their pension, axing the winter fuel allowance and losing their home with the cruel ‘dementia tax’. Labour will keep the fuel allowance, triple lock pensions and properly fund adult care.

"Rochdale’s young people are leaving university saddled with debts of £44,000. The Conservatives are slashing funding to our schools by £170 per pupil leaving teachers facing the sack. Labour will scrap tuition fees, cut class sizes to 30 and invest in more apprenticeships.

"Whenever the Tories are in power, the NHS ends up in crisis. People waiting for treatment have hit record levels. Children are forced to sleep on chairs and trolleys in overcrowded A&E departments. Labour will invest in our NHS to train more doctors and nurses, cut waiting times and axe hospital car parking charges.

"Poverty pay has hit record levels under the Conservatives. 2,263 children were fed by Rochdale Foodbank last year. Tories want to scrap free school meals for infants. Labour will introduce £10 an hour living wage to make work pay. We will cap energy prices, scrap zero-hours contracts and provide free meals for every primary school child.

"In Rochdale, we have the chance to elect a new MP who will shout about all that’s good about our town, not drag it down. In tough times like these we need an MP with the experience and skills to secure the best deal for Rochdale from the government.

"In Rochdale it’s a clear choice between Labour and the Conservatives. No other candidate can win here. Labour is the only party that offers real change and hope for the future for everyone.

"I will be the MP Rochdale needs. Proud of our town and determined to make a real difference. A strong voice for you and Rochdale."