Rochdale is at the centre of a political storm. Weeks before the town goes to the polls to choose its next MP, Labour's former by-election candidate Azhar Ali has apologised for 'deeply offensive' claims he made about Israel.
The Labour Party has now withdrawn its support for Mr Ali who claimed Israel allowed Hamas to carry out its deadly October 7 attack to provide grounds for invading Gaza.
But on the streets of Rochdale, the tide was already turning against the party in some quarters. Much like other areas in Greater Manchester, enthusiasm for either of the big political parties is hard to come by - and some say they won't bother voting at all.
But the arrival of a veteran politician who has thrown his hat in the ring has prompted some excitement. Try MEN Premium now for FREE...
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