Talk Elections

Caused by the resignation (at some point) of Tony Lloyd, who is the Labour candidate for Greater Manchester Police Commissioner. Lloyd previously chaired the PLP and had been an MP since 1983, representing the final incarnation of the Stretford constituency until 1997 when he moved over to Manchester Central. Lloyd had a majority of over 25pts in 2010 and Labour are now absolutely dominant here in local elections.

A proper profile later. But it's enough to know that this constituency is in Manchester and includes the city centre.

Candidates!

Labour have picked Lucy Powell. At the time of her selection, Powell was Miliband's Chief of Staff. She was also the Labour candidate in Manchester Withington in 2010.

The LibDems have picked Marc Ramsbottom, a former city councillor and their candidate in the past two General Elections. No Tory candidate yet, but they're a minor party here.

Respect nominated one candidate who withdraw, and then another (more high profile) candidate who withdrew in protest at George Galloway's comments about rape.

Apparently there is a Pirate Party here as well these days and they're running someone called Loz Kaye. And some random Trots and the like.

I remember hearing a lot about Powell back in 2010, Miliband'll have her on the frontbench in no time.

Is Respect party named after Ali G by any chance :P?

According to Wikipedia.


If Respect is something more than a personal vehicle for George Galloway, which remains to be proved, they should have a good opportunity to build support over a four month campaign. Unless they do that, I doubt this is going to be an exciting contest.

They wouldn't even if it wasn't; the Asian areas of Manchester (which would not, for the most part, even count as such if they were in Bradford) are mostly in Gorton, except for Cheetham Hill which is in Blackley & Broughton.

former Councillor Marc Ramsbottom will stand for the LibDems

Respect's candidate has withdrawn; cause appears to be George Galloway's comments about rape.

What'd he say? He disapproves of the practice?

Okay, I've looked it up and (unless you're thinking of his second set of comments) he wasn't talk about rape at all.

The Tories shouldn't even put a candidate up here, not even worth the money.

It'd certainly liberate the anti-Tory vote.

As people may recall, at the 2010 general election the good folk of Manchester Central awarded 153 votes to Socialist Labour, 54 to Socialist Equality and 59 to the Workers Revolutionary Party.

For the by-election they can share those numbers between the Communist League and the Socialist Party (of England and Wales, not of Great Britain).

... and according to a poster on Vote UK TUSC are likely to stand a candidate as well.

As I hinted on the Corby thread, the United People's Party website says they have disowned their previously announced candidate.

The Pirate candidate, Loz Kaye, beat the Lib Dems in Bradford ward in May's Manchester council election (and wasn't that far behind the Greens and the Tories).

Ah yes, I've seen that now, cheers YL

(I've updated the Wikipedia page on the by-election accordingly!)

Alan Valentine is now back, claiming he's a "Manchester Independent" candidate.

Someone having some 'fun and games' has added my name to the Wikipedia article for this election as the Liberal Party candidate.

The fact my tweet "confirming" this was a joke has been lost somewhat so now I guess it's an experiment in how long it takes Wiki editors to undo it.

Just bow to the inevitable and allow your name to go forward. If wikipedia says it then it must be true.

"22 October 2012 11:55
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Anthony Joseph Lloyd to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead."

Candidates intending to stand so far:

Chris CASSIDY (UKIP)
Peter CLIFFORD (Communist League)
Alex DAVIDSON (TUSC)
Lee HOLMES (People's Democratic)
Loz KAYE (Pirate)
Eddy O'SULLIVAN (BNP)
Lucy POWELL (Labour)
Marc RAMSBOTTOM (Liberal Democrat)
Clive SEARLE (Respect)
Matthew SEPHTON (Conservative)

You forgot Liam PENNINGTON (Liberal). See posts above for reference. ^-^

12 candidates.  Editing doktorb's list:

Chris CASSIDY (UKIP)
Peter CLIFFORD (Communist League)
Alex DAVIDSON (TUSC)
Tom DYLAN (Green)
Catherine HIGGINS (Respect)
Lee HOLMES (People's Democratic)
Howling Laud HOPE (Raving Loony)
Loz KAYE (Pirate)
Eddy O'SULLIVAN (BNP)
Lucy POWELL (Labour)
Marc RAMSBOTTOM (Liberal Democrat)
Matthew SEPHTON (Conservative)

Three from the far left (assuming Respect count as such) and no Liberal from Preston.

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/362/elections/4981/your_next_election/3

Helen Pidd in the Guardian:

Labour takes no chances in Manchester byelection after Bradford black eye (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/nov/13/labour-manchester-byelection-lucy-powell)

Ah, I see that my comment has not been deleted this time round. A positive development.

Some vague speculation of a record low turnout.

Result soon. Speculation that the Tories may have lost their deposit.

There's some dispute or other between the Tories and UKIP over a small number of votes; will determine who comes third, it seems. Bald men, comb, etc.

Labour hold

Lol at the Tory vote.

17% LD to Lab swing

Labour 69.1%, LDem 9.4%, Con 4.5%, UKIP 4.5%, Green 3.9%, BNP 2.9%, Pirate 1.9%, TUSC 1.3%, Respect 1.1%, OMRLP 0.5%, PDP 0.4%, CommL 0.4%

Labour majority of 9,936 votes (59.7)

Lab 69.16 (+16.42)
Lib Dem 9.44 (-17.16)
Con 4.53 (-7.25)
UKIP 4.50 (+2.98 )
Green 3.92 (+1.63)
BNP 2.90 (-1.20)
Pirate 1.85 (+1.85)
TUSC 1.32 (+1.32)
Respect 1.09 (+1.09)
MRLP 0.47 (+0.47)
PDP 0.43 (+0.43)
Comm League 0.38 (+0.38)

Labour vote just over 2001 levels (69.2 vs. 68.7).

Lib Dem vote below 1992 levels (9.4 vs. 9.8 ).

It would have been nice to see third and fifth place reversed here. ;D

not sure how much we put into this one, a saved deposit would have been nice