William Hague joined the Conservative campaign in the Heywood and Middleton by-election

David Nuttall, Bury North MP, William Hague, Iain Gartside and apprentice Jack Gough

William Hague, the First Secretary of State and Leader of the House of Commons, was in the region to support Conservative candidate Iain Gartside’s campaign in the Heywood and Middleton by-election.

Mr Hague joined Mr Gartside on a tour of school art supplier Colorlord, based at Stakehill Industrial Estate.

On his tour, Mr Hague was introduced to Alan Hurn, who with work place training is now studying for an NVQ in warehousing and logistics, and Jack Gough, 18, who is following in the footsteps of family members, studying accounting.

Talking about the visit, Mr Hague said: "It has been great to visit a growing and successful business and to meet apprentices who are a great example of what is being achieved in this country.

“Iain Gartside has fought a strong campaign and shown he is on top of local issues. He deserves everyone's support on election day."

Thanking Mr Hague for his support, Colorlord Managing Director, Calvin Lord said: “I’m delighted that Mr Hague took time out to meet our team and find out about our products.” 

Mr Gartside said: “I was delighted that Mr Hague took time out from his busy schedule to come up to support my campaign.

“It was also very kind of Mr Lord and his team at Colorlord to host us on a visit of the factory and really interesting to find out about their products, which are supplied to schools across the country.”