Oldham political leaders have reacted to the announcement of a general election in July.

On Wednesday (May 22), Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced outside Downing Street that a general election will be held on Thursday, July 4.

Now, some of Oldham's politicians have reacted to the news.

MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Debbie Abrahams, said: "After 14 years of chaos, confusion and worse from consecutive Conservative governments, finally the General Election has been called.

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"I've been proud to represent to my Oldham East and Saddleworth constituents over the last 13 years or so as their Member of Parliament. From next Friday I will be the Labour Party candidate for Oldham East and Saddleworth in the General Election.

"Oldham,  Saddleworth and the country desperately need a Labour Government to restore growth, opportunity and hope. As their re-elected Labour MP in Oldham East and Saddleworth, with a Labour Government, we will have the ability to bring about the change Oldham and Saddleworth needs and deserves." 

The Oldham Times: Debbie Abrahams MP will be running once againDebbie Abrahams MP will be running once again (Image: Parliament Live TV)

MP for Oldham West and Royton, Jim McMahon, said: "After 14 wasted years, local people are ready for change, and I am ready to fight for every single vote so that we can have a thriving local economy, better quality family homes, more police on our streets, and greater community ownership to safeguard our heritage.

"On the 4th July, we can all vote for what our country so desperately needs: stability over chaos, service over self-interest, and change over more of the same."

 

Leader of the Oldham Liberal Democrats, Cllr Howard Sykes, said: “It’s about time.  This Conservative government is on its last legs and for the good of the country, they need to go.”

“The Liberal Democrats are fighting this election to get a fair deal for Britain.  We need to tackle the crisis in the NHS and bring waiting times down.  We need to clean up our environment and stop water companies pumping sewage into our rivers. 

The Oldham Times: Cllr Howard Sykes recently failed in a bid to become council leaderCllr Howard Sykes recently failed in a bid to become council leader (Image: Howard Sykes)

"We need MPs in Parliament who are going to stand up for places like Oldham and demand the jobs and investment we need instead of just serving London and the South East.  Every vote for the Liberal Democrats will be a vote for a strong local champion.”

MP for Oldham West and Royton, Jim McMahon, and the Oldham Conservatives were approached for comment.

The Oldham Labour group deferred to statements from the MPs.