Following the death of Labour stalwart Tony Lloyd – what was expected to be a simple by-election for Labour has turned chaotic.
After it was revealed that Azhar Ali had made offensive remarks towards Israel during a meeting last year, the Labour Party withdrew its support.
If Mr Ali wins, he will not be given the Labour whip and will sit as an independent MP.
Alongside this, two other of the party’s former candidates are also on the ballot paper.
Rochdale, a town where the majority once favoured Labour, are now in conflict.
Labour activist Farah Khan, 20, has said: “It is a shame to go from someone as great as Tony Lloyd to go to potentially people like George Galloway.”
Here is what the people of Rochdale have to say about the bye-elections – including the independent candidate William Howarth, founder of Parents Against Grooming.
@mancunianmatters The #Rochdale by-election is taking place today so we took to the streets to speak to voters #ukpolitics #greatermanchester ♬ original sound – mancunianmatters
