Ed Miliband visits Middleton to support Liz McInnes

Ed Miliband addresses Labour supporters in Middleton

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Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband paid a visit to Middleton this afternoon (Thursday 2 October) to show his support for Heywood and Middleton by election candidate Liz McInnes.

Surrounded by local Labour Party supporters, Mr Miliband addressed crowds at Mainway Shopping Precinct who had turned up to show their support.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Mr Miliband said: “I really enjoyed our visit this afternoon. We have great support from the people of Middleton and we have some really enthusiastic supporters.”

The NHS is at the forefront of the Labour campaign for this by-election with Ms McInnes having worked in the NHS for over 30 years.

Asked why the NHS is so important, Mr Miliband said: “The NHS is one of the most important things about this country and I think people are worried that it is going backwards under this Tory government. Liz will be an MP who stands up for that in Parliament.”

With the by-election only a week away, Mr Miliband is confident that the seat will stay with Labour. He added: “Yes I am confident. I think Liz has got a really good campaign and I am pleased with how things are going.”

For the people of Middleton, some have already made their choice as to who they will be voting for next Thursday (9 October).

Frances Cunningham said: “I am definitely voting Labour. I have always voted Labour and I agree with their policies. It is good that they are coming out and doing this type of thing and talking to people. I do think the momentum is split between Labour and UKIP but I know which way I’ll be going.”

Karen Dicken will also be voting Labour on Thursday. She said: “I have always voted Labour and think what they are proposing is right. I don’t like what the Tory government is doing to disabled people and sick people. I think there is a lot of support for UKIP and I do think Labour have lost some voters to UKIP but hopefully the seat will stay Labour.”

Joanne Cockrane is currently unsure as to which way she will vote and came out today to hear from Mr Milliband and Ms McInnes and their plans for Middleton.

She said: “I think what she has to say about the NHS is good but I want to know what she is going to do for our community. Jim Dobbin was an MP who was out in the community and did a lot with local groups and organisations. He was loved in the community so I think he is going to be tough to replace.”