Labour's candidate to fight the up-coming Rochdale by-election says it will give voters the 'chance to send a clear message to Rishi Sunak'.
Lancashire county council leader Azhar Ali was today chosen from a shortlist of three to succeed the late Sir Tony Lloyd. Reacting to his selection, Coun Ali paid tribute to Sir Tony, who died on January 17 aged 73, only days after announcing he was suffering from an incurable form of leukaemia.
He said: "I am proud and humbled to be chosen by our local party members as the Labour candidate for the Rochdale by-election. "Sir Tony Lloyd was a dear friend of mine and a dedicated public servant.
He was admired and respected far and wide - and I intend to follow in his footsteps and be a champion for Rochdale in Parliament. Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link. "I promise to be a strong voice for every community across our town and to get things done.
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