Date published: 10/02/2006

Rochdale MP, Paul Rowen, has called the astonishing Liberal Democrat victory in Dunfermline, "a sensational statement that illustrates that the positive policies of the Liberal Democrats are still getting through to people across Britain.  Our winning candidate, Willie Rennie MP, is another example of the excellent new talent in our party.  Here in Rochdale, I am sure that our councillors, members, activists and thousands of supporters will take great heart from this in the run up to the most important set of local elections in decades."
 
Paul Rowen visited Dunfermline last week with a team of volunteers from Rochdale.  Paul added, "The atmosphere was great, Labour threw everything at their campaign.  Indeed they lost an important vote in Parliament because many of their MP's were desperate to hold this seat.  I hope that we can build on this good news in Rochdale.  We are about to have a new leader, and whoever it is I am sure that we are about to see the Lib Dems make the next step."
 
Local Lib Dem agent David Hennigan observed: "If the 16% swing to the Lib Dem is repeated in the next General Election in the Rochdale Borough, Heywood and Middleton would fall to the Lib Dems, as would Oldham East and Saddleworth."