Rochdale by-election: Why vote has been called, who is standing and key dates ahead of going to polls

A General Election may be taking place later this year, but people in one Greater Manchester constituency will be heading to polling booths a bit earlier than others. Voters in Rochdale will be able to vote for their new Member of Parliament at the end of February. 

With the general election looming at some stage in 2024 (a date we are yet to have confirmed), the eyes of the nation will be on Rochdale. A strong Labour seat in recent years, voters will get the chance to decide on their new representative on February 29. 

With less than a month to go, there are some key dates coming up that will be important ahead of polling day. We’ve rounded up the important bits of information that you’ll need if the by-election is set to affect you. 

Why is there a by-election in Rochdale? 

The by-election has been called for Rochdale due to the sad death of Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd. Sir Tony had been the consistency’s representative since the 2017 election and was a much-respected stalwart of Greater Manchester politics.

How will you know if you are eligible to vote? 

Rochdale Borough Council have sent annual notification letters to all households this week showing details of who is registered to vote at your address. You can confirm these details and then, if details need to be changed, you can follow instructions on the letter.

Who are the candidates in the 2024 Rochdale by-election? 

• Azhar Ali, Labour Party
• Mark Coleman
• Simon Danczuk, Reform UK
• Iain Donaldson, Liberal Democrats
• Paul Ellison, The Conservative Party Candidate
• George Galloway, Workers Party of Britain
• Michael Howarth
• William Howarth, Independent
• Guy Otten, Green Party
• Ravin Subortna, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
• David Tully, Independent

Steve Rumbelow, returning officer and chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council said: “I will be asking all candidates to ensure this campaign is conducted with dignity and respect. Political debate and freedom of speech is vital but our residents rightly expect that people standing for public office show a sense of responsibility and tolerance for other points of view. 

“It is a short campaign and will no doubt be intense and competitive, but parties and their workers should conduct themselves with respect for the place, its people and each other. With less than a month to go I also urge people to make sure they have everything they need to be able to vote. Have your say and use your vote.”

Key dates ahead of Rochdale by-election

Listed below are several key dates coming up through February. Each of the deadlines apply to when applications must be sent into the Electoral Registration Office by. 

The address for this is Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU. For further contact information about the office, visit the Rochdale Borough Council website. 

• February 2 at 4pm - Nomination deadline
• February 13 at midnight - Voter registration deadline
• February 14 at 5pm- Applications, amendments or cancellations of proxy or postal votes deadline
• February 21 at 5pm - New proxy vote applications deadline
• February 29 at 5pm- applications to vote by emergency proxy
• February 29 7am to 10pm- Polling stations open for voting