Rochdale is getting a new MP - but some voters couldn't care less

It's been big news in political circles. But some residents of Rochdale - who will soon be voting for a new MP - couldn't care less.

The tragic death of Sir Tony Lloyd last week means a by-election will be taking place in the constituency he has represented since 2017. The 73-year-old MP revealed earlier this month that he was suffering from an 'aggressive and untreatable form of leukaemia'.

The veteran Labour stalwart, who held several political posts in Greater Manchester over the last 45 years, passed away 'peacefully' on Wednesday (January 17). Speculation over who would succeed him and stand for the relatively safe Labour seat started soon after.

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A shortlist of three Labour candidates was announced the following week and local party members will vote for their preferred candidate on Saturday (January 27). Among those standing for Labour is the Rochdale-born Westminster journalist Paul Waugh.

Meanwhile, other parties will have to chose who they want to enter the contest as the by-election could be held as soon as next month. However, in Rochdale town centre on Monday (January 22) few people seemed to be aware - or even care - about the vote.

"I think it's a farce," Dean Crowther said. The Rochdale resident has voted before, but no longer believes voting makes a difference. "I don't believe you have a choice," he said. This political apathy was echoed by several people the Manchester Evening News spoke to.

Mike Potts, 50, doesn't 'do politics'. "I never see the point of it," he said. "I've voted in the past and it feels that much hasn't been done."

"To me, they're all the bloody same," Alan, 81, added. "They promise you everything, but I've just got