Grant Shapps joins Iain Gartside as he campaigns in Norden

Grant Shapps with Iain Gartside

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Grant Shapps, the Chairman of the Conservative Party, was in Norden this afternoon (Monday 6 October) to help Heywood and Middleton by-election Conservative candidate Iain Gartside campaign.

Starting on Falcon Close in Norden, Mr Shapps and Mr Gartside were knocking on doors and speaking to local residents regarding the up coming election.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr Gartside said: “I think the campaign is going very well. I have enjoyed speaking to people about local issues and addressing the issues that they want help with.”

In particular, Mr Gartside has been focusing on the up coming planning application for Middleton’s “green lung” and the proposed expansion of Scout Moor Wind Farm.

He added: “These are issues that the people want addressing and I will fight against these proposals.”

Mr Shapps, who is the MP for Welwyn Hatfield, described Mr Gartside as a “strong voice for the people”.

He said: “I think Iain has a strong campaign and has been addressing the issues that people want to be addressed. He is a strong voice for the people and from what I hear the response on the doorstep has been great. We are fighting for every vote.”

A recent poll showed Labour are on track to win the seat with UKIP in second place.

When asked about the competition from Labour and UKIP, Mr Gartside said: “I have been in two debates now with all of the party candidates and especially with Labour and UKIP; they just seem to be bickering amongst themselves. I think it has been very negative and I think I am the only candidate that is addressing local issues.”

The residents of Heywood and Middleton will decide on who their next MP is on Thursday (9 October).

Mr Gartside added: “I am confident. We are fighting for every vote and doing all that we can.”