Local school mates in bid to join Parliament

Liberal Democrats select former school friends to contest Rochdale and Heywood & Middleton seats at the General Election

Andy Kelly and Anthony Smith have been chosen to contest the Rochdale and Heywood & Middleton seats for the Liberal Democrats at the General Election on May 7^th. The pair attended both St Wilfrid's Middle School and Bishop Henshaw RC Upper School (now St. Cuthbert's) together in the 1980s.

The two also share a musical heritage having played tuba and cornet respectively for both Rochdale Youth and Kingsway Brass bands.

Youth worker and local campaigner Andy Kelly said; "It's a real honour to be selected in the town I have lived all my life. I want to help the people of Rochdale regain pride in our town and rebuild confidence and trust in our local institutions. The hard working people of Rochdale deserve an MP who will stand with them and help deliver a brighter future for current and future generations."

Anthony Smith, who runs his own IT company said; "Having lived, worked and brought up a family in the area, I am extremely proud to have been selected as the candidate for Heywood and Middleton. If elected I will work tirelessly on behalf of the community to ensure a stronger economy and a fairer society is delivered across the constituency. The voters in Heywood and Middleton now have the chance to vote for a local candidate who understands the needs of the area and its people."