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Rochdale Tories realise that the national picture is not in their favour at the present moment, but remain reasonably confident ahead of polling day.
They also expect to do well in Littleborough Lakeside and believe gains could be made in Castleton or the Heywood and Middleton wards.
While fielding fewer candidates than the Lib Dems, the party says it is ‘targeting its efforts’ to increase the chance of success where Conservatives are standing.
Meanwhile newcomers Middleton Independents Party (MIP) are a real unknown quantity at this year’s elections - having only officially registered with the Electoral Commission last month.
They hyperlocal outfit are fielding three candidates in all five Middleton wards, including Hopwood Hall, which straddles the boundary with Heywood.
In West Middleton this will see the fledgling party taking on council leader Neil Emmott, in a real David versus Goliath clash.
Also looking to make an impact are The Green Party, which claims to be ‘the only boroughwide party offering more radical policies and local solutions’.
The Greens are fielding 10 candidates this time round, including two in both Wardle, Shore and West Littleborough and Spotland and Falinge.
There are also some familiar faces making a return, with former Labour councillors Neil Butterworth and Alan Godson standing in North Middleton - albeit the latter as a
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