Conservative Party candidate Jane Howard speaks about her election campaign

Jane Howard

Jane Howard, the Conservative party’s candidate for Rochdale’s MP, spoke to Rochdale Online about her election campaign.

Ms Howard lives in Rochdale with her husband Alex and two teenage daughters. She is a councillor for Bamford and is Shadow Portfolio holder for Adult Care. She is also a Primary School Governor and attends St Michael’s Church.

Ms Howard said: “The reason why I stood is I have an overarching aim for Rochdale to be known nationally for the good stuff. That drives everything and the rest will follow from business to jobs and skills.

“One of my policies is the greenbelt; I actually raised this motion at a Council meeting which was seconded by Pat Sullivan. It’s a very big issue for our community, especially here in Bamford and in Newhey and Milnrow. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

“People coming here to live in the houses they’ll be building on the greenbelt won’t want stay in Rochdale when the greenbelt is gone.

“I’ll be fighting for the brownfield sites first. I drive past some every day and it’s sad to destroy the precious greenbelt. We can do up the accommodation and fill the brownfield sites and clean up the street scene at the same time.”

Education is another of Ms Howard’s policies. Having worked at Salford University, she aims to bring a lot of the good work universities do to work with schools in the borough.

She added: “We only have good and outstanding schools here.”

Ms Howard continued: “As a career woman with two young children, I started my own business as a freelancing PR and I want to support people like me with flexible business and early starts.

“We have a lot of big names at Kingsway but we haven’t always got the high-level job roles. A lot of people aspire for greater things. Rochdale Online is a perfect example, it has the technological web business that supports young people to that level.”

Ms Howard remains upbeat about her campaign, she enthused: “I’m very positive I’m going to win. I never feel like I’m fighting a losing battle. The early signs are looking promising and if I don’t win, I’ll still be here to listen.

“Labour have become complacent thinking it’s a safe seat, but it’s not. I’m going to work my socks off for this town. People want change, they want someone passionate, young and enthusiastic and I’m all those things. I want change for Rochdale.

“I think people may be swayed because I’m local and a Conservative, but second, I’m a Rochdalian mum and I’m so proud of it.

“Labour’s candidate would continue to live in Chorlton, what good would that do for Rochdale? If I’m elected MP, I will be in the Government and Rochdale’s name will be known. I’ll work hard to ensure the views of Rochdale’s residents are heard and that we get the strongest deal possible from Brexit to benefit Rochdale.

“I plough my own furrow and campaign my own merits. My campaign is a positive one and I think people like that breath of fresh air.

“Just because I’m Conservative doesn’t mean I agree with my party about everything; there are lots of things I don’t agree with them about like mental health and vulnerable people. I’ll be fighting against fox-hunting, for example. Change starts from within.”

She concluded: “It’s my job to speak up for Rochdale, particularly things constituents want.”