Yes, Rochdale does deserve better than the current byelection situation, but in her catalogue of the town’s political ills, Marina Hyde has made a significant omission (Conspiracists, chancers and a sexter – Rochdale deserves better, and frankly we all do, 13 February). For seven years, from June 2017 until January 2024, Rochdale had the best. We in Rochdale were fortunate enough to be represented by Tony Lloyd, the most dignified, principled and humane politician it has ever been my honour to know.
Tony’s death is still raw and he is still being mourned in Rochdale and right across the world. The 90 minutes of cross-party parliamentary tributes to him on 23 January pay tribute to his work and to the affection and esteem in which he is still held.
