The final push

Dozens of activists hit the streets of Newton this morning in a final push to get Phil Fitzpatrick elected as the new councillor. With just days to go before polls open a huge effort is being put into getting out the vote.

Phil can be seen here with some of his campaign team.

Warm welcome on home turf

Phil Fitzpatrick got a warm welcome on the streets around his home last night despite the cold weather. Many people had already cast their balllots for Phil by using their postal vote. Phil and the team encouraged as many people as possible to go to the polls next Thursday.

Phil can be seen out and about the Danby Rd area of Newton with James Purnell MP and the Labour team.

Fatherly advice for candidate Philip

When former councillor Joe Fitzpatrick was contacted by a resident in need he was determined to help them out – whatever the problem, whatever the time of day.

For more than 30 years he represented the people of Hyde Newton. And in 2007 he was made an Honorary Alderman of the Borough, in recognition of his commitment to the area.

His son, Labour candidate Philip Fitzpatrick, says that his own strong sense of community spirit and determination to make a difference stems from his father.

And he says that if elected as councillor in the Hyde Newton by-election he will be determined to follow his example.

“He was a good councillor because he cared about people,” said Philip, who is pictured with Joe (centre) and brother Cllr Jim Fitzpatrick (left).

“He wanted to help people and do everything he could for them. If someone rang him up with a problem he would just deal with it – no matter what it was.

“I would like to think that I would act as he would have done; that I would go out and sort problems out.

“And I think I want to do that because I was brought up in a family committed to helping the community.”

Jim, who represents the Hyde Godley ward, said: “I still ask my dad for advice; he has a wealth of experience and knowledge. It was his sense of being able to make a difference that encouraged me to be a councillor.”

Investing in Young People

Labour is committed to extending access to sporting facilities, nurturing talent among Britain’s youth and giving our children engaging opportunities inside and outside of school.With £100 million in new investment for children’s sports, we aim to provide young people with the chance to take part in at least five hours of sport a week.


On top of the money Labour is already putting into sport for our young people this will mean £2.4 billion overall will be invested between 2003 and 2012 when Britain host the Olympics.We believe in the value of sport and have invested in over 430 specialist sports colleges to foster an environment of sporting excellence.


Labour is working towards a network of sports facilities to ensure our young people have places to go all of the time. All young people should have the opportunity to play well structured and well run competitive sport, improving public health and building safer communities.

But what more do you think we can do to continue to inspire and support our talented youngsters and how do you see sport playing a role in your community?

Brothers back on the election trail

The Hyde Newton by-election has brought about a sense of déjà vu for Labour candidate Philip Fitzpatrick and brother Jim – who have been on the election trail together since childhood.

It was almost 40 years ago when the pair first helped to deliver leaflets for former Stalybridge and Hyde MP Tom Pendry alongside dad Joe.

Together they went on to canvass for their dad, who served as a councillor for Newton for more than 30 years.

And now the pair are canvassing together again on exactly the same streets, as Jim – himself a serving member of Tameside Council – helps Philip in his bid to be elected as councillor for Newton.

As children, the brothers may have had to be persuaded to post leaflets, or to spend the day outside a polling station, with the promise of a fish and chip supper.

But now they are motivated by the determination to put something back into the community where they grew up.

And they say their strong sense of community spirit and determination to make a difference stems from their father.

Union backs Phil Fitzpatrick

One thing about the Communication Workers Union - they know how to communicate!. Hard working men backing Phil Fitzpatrick in his campaign to be the new Councillor for Newton. The team here can be seen about to hit the streets with Labour's latest campaign literature.

How to fill in your Postal Vote for Phil Fitzpatrick

Click on the image to enlarge

Rosemount Scout Group

Peter Robinson and Helen Bowden recently presented a set of new computers to the Rosemount Scout group (Accompanied by Labour’s Philip Fitzpatrick). The computers were obtained by bidding for regeneration money and will be used by the Scouts at Rosemount Methodist Church. Phil said, "these computers were secured through the hard work of our local Councillors for which we are all thankful".

Phil Fitzpatrick can be seen above with Cllrs Peter Robinson, Helen Bowden and the local Scout Group

Night, noon and morning

The labour team can be seen out and about at night knocking on doors around the Old Road area. This team is being led by James Purnell MP. Hundreds of contacts made with a number of people asking to join the Labour Party. A clear groundswell of support for Phil Fitzpatrick also and his campaign to be the new Councillor for Newton.

Andrew and Allison Gwynne back campaign

Denton and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne has been delivering hundreds of leaflets in support of Labour by-election candidate Philip Fitzpatrick.

And he is joined in his support by wife Allison, who is councillor for Denton North East.

They believe it is crucial that the voters of Newton turn out to vote on February 5 and elect Philip as their local representative.

Coun Allison Gwynne said: “This ward has benefited from money to support families and young people and it’s important that residents remember tat this investment is only possible through a labour-controlled council.”

And MP Andrew said: “I know the difference that having a Labour council and a Labour government has made to Tameside. It’s absolutely crucial that the people of Newton elect Philip, who will be a hard worker and a strong voice for this community.”

Team Labour

Another big turnout on the streets of Newton once again today with Phil Fitzpatrick leading this team. Another warm welcome on the doorstep also with lots of pledges of support and offers of help.

Phil and his team can be seen here on Ashton Rd

A Safer Hyde

Hyde is safer with Labour. Today, the chance of being a victim of crime is at its lowest level since 1981. Due to Labour’s policies crime is down, and thanks to our investment police officer numbers are at a historic high.

Only Labour has the policies to address the challenges of the future. I recognise that new challenges need new and different approaches. Labour is giving the police and our local community new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour; investing in neighbourhood policing.

If elected I will make the safety of residents living in Hyde my number one priority.

Phil Fitzpatrick

M.E.N covers election launch

Click on the link below to see coverage of Labour's Newton election launch by Channel M and the Manchester Evening News.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1089776_labour_vow_to_defeat_bnp_

Warm welcome on the doorstep for Labour

Louise Heenan and her family are backing Philip Fitzpatrick in the by-election because of the proven track record of Labour councillors in Newton.
Instead of just hitting the streets at election time mum-of-two Louise says Labour have proved that they are always on hand.
And she says residents in Newton know that when they need help from local councillors, their local Labour team deliver.
“With Labour councillors you know that they will get things done for the Newton community,” said mum-of-two Louise.
“Other parties come around with leaflets at election time, but this is the only time that we see them.
“I’ve seen Philip around the area and I know that as a local man he knows what’s important in the area and what we all care about.
“On election day there’s no question who I’ll be voting for – it will be Philip Fitzpatrick.”

Labour Party supporters launch campaign

Dozens of Labour Party members and supporters helped launch the campaign to elect Phil Fitzpatrick as local councillor.

At an event to formally launch the Labour Party’s by-election campaign in Newton, Phil received strong backing from Stalybridge and Hyde MP James Purnell, North West MEP Gary Titley and Newton councillor Peter Robinson.

They were joined by more than 50 Labour Party supporters, who then went out into Newton to post leaflets and talk to residents about the by-election, which follows the death of Cllr Margaret Oldham.

Gary Titley said the turnout was “positively inspirational”. And Mr Purnell said the turnout reflected the determination there was for the seat to remain Labour.

“The turnout is testament to how highly people thought of Margaret, how sorry they are that she has died and how determined we all are to see Philip elected as a councillor for Labour,” said Mr Purnell.

“Philip is a local candidate, who understands what people want and he would make a fantastic councillor.”

Tell Phil your views

Disscussion is key during any election period. I would like to invite you to consult with myself on issues concerning Newton. From play areas to bin collection, from parking to policing. It’s our area, I want to hear from you.

Phil can be seen here out and about discussing issues with local resident Stanly Hulme on Talbot Rd.

James Purnell MP backs Philip Fitzpatrick

HYDE and Stalybridge MP James Purnell is among those who are backing Philip Fitzpatrick in the countdown to the by-election.Mr Purnell, who is Secretary of State for State for Work and Pensions, is part of the team of local politicians and Labour Party supporters who will be spending time in Newton in the run-up to the February 5 ballot.And he hopes voters will elect Philip as councillor, which would strengthen the Labour Party’s commitment to supporting local people.Mr Purnell said: “Labour councillors take on an active role in the Newton ward and have achieved considerable successes.“Living in the heart of Newton, Philip already understands many of the problems and challenges faced by those living in the ward."He would be a valuable addition to the Newton team – continuing the tradition of strong Labour politicians in the ward.”