Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

Gillian Duffy opens Rochdale MP’s constituency office

Rochdale’s Member of Parliament, Simon Danczuk, has opened his new constituency office with a surprise guest of honour.
 
Gillian Duffy, the pensioner who caused a national media storm after her exchange with Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the General Election campaign, was invited to perform the official opening at a packed out event in Rochdale town centre.
 
The Labour MP said he had invited Mrs Duffy because he wanted a “genuine voice” for Rochdale to open his office rather than a political grandee.
 
“Politicians from all parties need to have a better relationship with local residents,” he said. "Listening to local people who aren’t afraid to air their views is what politicians should be doing. Like many people Gillian is straight talking and cares strongly about her town. To have a local resident like Gillian, a well known local resident, I think she is the ideal person.”
 
Mr Danczuk added that he was delighted to be setting up in the heart of the town centre – on the corner of Cheetham Street and St Marysgate – because he wanted to be close to shoppers and traders.
 
“The town centre is key to Rochdale’s fortunes not just from an economic perspective but also in changing the perception of Rochdale,” he said. “I want to be a passionate advocate for a prosperous and vibrant town centre, and I plan to spend a fair amount of time talking to local traders about how we can create a better environment.”