Candidate list for the

THE final list of candidates vying to become Rochdale’s next MP has been revealed. A number of names representing various political parties have been known for a few days, but the official list has now been published by Rochdale Council. The election was triggered following the death of Sir Tony Lloyd last month.

The 73-year-old Labour MP, who held several political posts in Greater Manchester over the last 45 years, had previously revealed he was suffering from an ‘aggressive and untreatable form of leukaemia’.

The date for the Rochdale by-election is Thursday, February 29 – which means candidates have just under four weeks to try and win the support of voters.

Key dates/deadlines for voters to be aware of:

Tuesday, February 13: Applications to register to vote deadline at midnight

Wednesday, February 14: Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes and amendments or cancellations of proxy votes must be submitted before 5pm

Wednesday, February 21: Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or Anonymous Elector’s Document as well as new applications to vote by proxy must be submitted before 5pm

Thursday, February 29: Applications to vote by emergency proxy must be submitted before 5pm

These applications can be made online or reach the Electoral Registration

Office by the specified deadline. The address listed on the council website is: Electoral Registration Officer, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU.

For enquiries or applications contact the elections team on 0300 303 0345 or email elections@rochdale.gov.uk.

Steve Rumbelow, returning officer and chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I will be asking all candidates to ensure this campaign is conducted with dignity and respect. Political debate and freedom of speech is vital but our residents rightly expect that people standing for public office show a sense of responsibility and tolerance for other points of view.

“It is a short campaign and will no doubt be intense and competitive, but parties and their workers should conduct themselves with respect for the place, its people and each other.

“With less than a month to go I also urge people to make sure they have everything they need to be able to vote. Have your say and use your vote.”