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.”