Nigel Farage meets the people of Middleton ahead of by-election

Nigel Farage meets the people of Middleton

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The leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), Nigel Farage and Heywood and Middleton by-election candidate John Bickley spent this morning (Thursday 2 October) in Middleton town centre meeting people before next Thursday’s vote.

Surrounded by people in Middleton Gardens, Mr Farage met with local residents to discuss the issues that are affecting them and to find out which way they will be voting in the by-election.

When asked about winning the seat, Mr Farage said: “It is certainly an uphill climb and we have some momentum behind us but we will see what happens on Thursday.”

John Bickley, who was the first candidate to be announced for the by-election, said: “Today has been fantastic. The sun has been shining, it hasn’t rained and people have come out to show their support.

“I am surprised at the momentum that we have at the minute and I am surprised at how disillusioned people are with the other parties. They feel misrepresented and are looking for change. There is a large groundswell of support for UKIP here.”

Local residents in the area turned out in the town centre to speak to Mr Farage and Mr Bickley about the upcoming election.

Mr Coyne, who has decided to vote for UKIP after previously voting for Labour, said: “I’m voting for UKIP because UKIP are the only party talking sense. I won’t be voting Labour again.”

Donna Wellens, a local business owner, is also voting UKIP and said: “They are the only party that are addressing issues to help the people. I am confident that John Bickley will win the seat and I will show my support for him and the party.”

Despite many people already knowing who they are voting for, Mrs Neilson is still on the fence. She said: “I will be voting on Thursday but I don’t know who for yet. That’s part of why I am out today, to have a listen and see what people are saying. I want to know what will be done for the community and the people in the community because that is what is important.”

After spending the morning in Middleton Town Centre, Mr Farage then attended a meeting with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Arranged by the chamber, the meeting allowed members to put forward their views regarding local business matters.

Chris Stern, Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce said: “I think it was certainly a good meeting for us to be able to put our views and points across to him and I think it was very useful for us to be able to do that. I’m glad we took the opportunity to have the meeting because I don’t think it has done us any harm to have these discussions with him.”