Manchester Central candidates in their own words

Tonight Manchester Central party members will be meeting to quiz the four shortlisted candidates for the upcoming by-election, before selecting the Labour candidate for the November poll. We’ve already profiled the candidates, but here’s the four candidates in their own words (as reported by the Manchester Evening News). We’ll bring you the selection result this evening – and we’ll be asking a few questions of our own to the successful candidate in the coming days.

Mike Amesbury: “I was born in Manchester, live here with my family and have a track record of delivering investment into this city. Given the recent experience of the Bradford West by-election it is important that we have a candidate that will take the fight to the Tory led government, and has the experience of winning elections for Labour.”

Rosa Battle: “Manchester needs someone who is not afraid to stand up to this government, who can provide leadership and empower our communities. I grew up in here, went to Ducie High School in Moss Side and now live in Beswick with my family. I believe I can speak up for the people of Manchester in parliament just as I have been doing as a councillor for the Bradford Ward.”

Lucy Powell: “I have a proven track record of fighting long and tough parliamentary elections, with all the media focus that it brings. We need to send the government a strong and clear message from Manchester – that their policies are wrong, unfair, and not working. I will stand up for Manchester, provide a strong voice locally as well as nationally.”

Patrick Vernon: “Manchester Central needs a parliamentary candidate who is a proven, strong, energetic campaigner with a passion and commitment for social justice and tackling inequalities in education, health, social care, housing, and the environment. I want to engage and address equalities issues with the skills to unite and build bridges in a diverse and vibrant constituency so older people feel respected and young people are valued.”