Lord McNally says 'It's good to talk in Milnrow and Newhey'

Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and former Stockport Labour MP - Lord Tom McNally came to Milnow and Newhey in the first of many high profile visits from senior politicians to discuss political issues in the area. Over the next few months senior Lib Dem figures like Nick Clegg MP, Simon Hughes MP and others will be going to Milnrow and Newhey to discuss some of the key political issues facing us. Last year Leading Lib Dem Chris Huhne MP visited Milnrow Station to look at transport problems.

This week it was the turn of Lord Tom McNally, the Leader of the Lib Dems in House of Lords. It was held at Newhey Lodge in Milnrow on 15th Feburary. The event was hugely successful and well attended - the reform of the House of Lords and other issues were discussed.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said, "It is vital that bring politics to the people and we have identified Milnrow and Newhey as a key area. It is moving into Rochdale at the next General Election and is good that we bring leading politicians in to have these debates. We have also been busy surveying and have received over 500 responses from local residents on health issues. I enjoy working with the local Councillors in Milnrow and Newhey - Keith Swift, Irene Davidson and Denis Whittle and will continue to do so."

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East and Saddleworth - Alison Smith said, "It was a real honour to introduce Lord Tom McNally, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. He gave a short speech, which was followed by a question and answer session and an interesting discussion. The Liberals have been fighting for House of Lords reform since 1911, but it has taken the recent 'Cash for Honours' scandal to spur the Government into action. The Liberal Democrats want to see a substantially slimmed down House of Lords, which must be at least 80% directly elected. This democratically elected chamber could then scrutinise treaties and public appointments, as well as undertaking its current role in the legislative process."

Lord Tom McNally said, "It was a pleasure to visit Milnrow and Newhey, this is part of programme bringing party politics to people. I know the area well from the old Littleborough and Saddleworth Byelection where Chris Davies MEP was elected. As a former Labour MP who has worked at the very heart of Government - I am acutely aware of how this Labour Government have let us down. The people at the meeting are obviously interested in local and nationally politics and I hope that the future events will be just as successful."