Andy Kelly ready to fight to become Rochdale's next MP

Councillor Andy Kelly, Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Rochdale, says he is ready to fight to become Rochdale's next Member of Parliament. He was speaking after Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans for a General Election on Thursday 8 June. There will be a Commons vote on the proposed election on Wednesday - Theresa May will need Parliament's backing to hold a vote before 2020.

Andy Kelly said: "We have been gearing up for a General Election since catching Simon Danczuk wrongly claiming expenses. It is clear, that his tenure as our MP will be over in weeks. My job is to provide the leadership that our Borough, facing huge challenges, desperately needs. Make no mistake - we are in this to win. Labour have had the chance to lead our town and everyone agrees that they have failed miserably. Over their steadfast support for Simon Danczuk, their councillors in coalition with Conservatives increasing their own allowances by 34% or letting our roads crumble - Labour have failed us.

"The Liberal Democrats are the fastest growing political party in Britain. Here in Rochdale, we now have over 300 active members and that figure is growing by the day. Everyone knows that it is our chance - we will be doing this for a better Rochdale. I've said for years that people deserve better than Labour in Rochdale. This is our chance to prove it."