Labour selects Debbie Abrahams for Oldham By-election

Labour has selected Debbie Abrahams - pictured above - as its candidate in the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election.

Abrahams beat Riaz Ahmed and Councillor Abdul Jabbar, who were also shortlisted.

A local candidate, Abrahams was previously Labour’s candidate in Colne Valley at this year’s general election, coming third behind the Tories and Lib Dems. She is a public health consultant, a former director of public health research at Liverpool university and is the former chair of Rochdale primary care trust. Her husband is a former professional cricketer who now coaches the England under 19s.

On winning the selection she said:

“It’s an honour and a privilege to have been selected as Labour’s candidate. Now I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting as many residents as possible in the next few weeks to listen to their concerns.

It’s important that the real issues and concerns of people in the borough are not lost during this by-election campaign. People feel let down by the LibDem-Tory broken promises on police cuts, tuition fees and VAT. It doesn’t have to be this way, there is an alternative.

This is an opportunity for people to send a message to the government. Oldham East and Saddleworth needs a Labour MP who will stand up and fight for them. I’m determined to keep my promises and deliver the best possible deal for people in this borough”.

The by election was called following the disqualification of Labour MP Phil Woolas and could see controversy as far right leader Nick Griffin has hinted at standing.