Nick Clegg visits Rochdale to open Lib Dem office

Photo: Laura Wild

Paul Rowen and Nick Clegg

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited Rochdale today (Thursday 25 August) to officially open the new joint Rochdale and Oldham Liberal Democrat Office.

The office is located on Drake Street and will be shared between the Rochdale and Oldham Liberal Democrats.

After the official opening, Mr Clegg visited the Broadfield Hotel where he met around 100 members of both parties for an hour long question and answer session.

Mr Clegg answered questions on a variety of subjects including the future of Rochdale Infirmary, the Pupil Premium, the preservation of green belt land and rehabilitation of ex-offenders.

He was also asked more difficult questions from members who chose to put Mr Clegg on the spot regarding tuition fees, party direction and recent election results.

Mr Clegg last visited Rochdale back in April to announce the successful bids for the regional growth fund in which Holroyd Precision Ltd and Tygavac were successful.

The Deputy Prime Minister, said: “It’s great to be back in Rochdale, the home of Liberalism, and to meet so many of our local members.

“It’s good to get out of the world of Westminster and actually talk to local party members about their concerns and the issues Rochdale as a town faces.”

Leader of Rochdale Liberal Democrats Wera Hobhouse said: “It was a very good event and it is great that he chose Rochdale as one of his priorities for a visit.

“I was pleased at how knowledgeable he was about the current issues we face in Rochdale such as Rochdale Infirmary.”

Former MP for Rochdale Paul Rowen, said: “I am delighted that Nick took time out of his tour of the North West to visit us here in Rochdale. It shows how much he values the town.

“Clearly there are certain aspects of the coalition that members in Rochdale needed explaining, but he did a great job of winning more sceptical parts of the membership over.”