The Mancunian Way: 'Detached from the everyday concerns of ordinary people'

Voters in Rochdale go to the polls tomorrow in a by-election sparked by the death of veteran Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd. And if you needed a reason why so many people have lost faith in politics, look no further.

Politics writer Joseph Timan has been reflecting on a chaotic and divisive contest that’s been a ‘microcosm of much of what’s wrong in our wider politics’.

“Opportunism, divisive and racist rhetoric and a political culture detached from the everyday concerns of ordinary people,” he writes. “And for those who think Westminster's macho culture is a thing of the past, look no further than this ballot paper. There are 11 men on it, but not a single woman.”

But while Labour has withdrawn its support for its candidate Azhar Ali after he was recorded making ‘deeply offensive’ comments about Israel and the likes of George Galloway and Simon Danczuk look to capitalise on anger and division to plot a return to Parliament, it’s ordinary Rochdalians who will pay the price.

“Convincing constituents to come out and vote is always a tall order at a by-election in February,” writes Joseph. “But following the 'farce' that this by-election has become, it's an even bigger ask.

“The winner must try and bring Rochdale's diverse communities together to tackle the issues that face them all. As their predecessor put it when asked for his advice to aspiring MPs: "If it's not about making people’s lives better, then don't be a politician."

“That advice was true then and it remains true. The people of Rochdale have a right to ask for at least that level of commitment from their politicians. They deserve so much better than this circus. In fact, we all do.”

It’s all happening in Stockport at the minute. The town centre is undergoing a