Labour heavyweight Prezza hits the trail

Reporter: Marina Berry
Date online: 30 April 2010

ELECTION 2010

THE Prescott Express rolled into Oldham yesterday, bringing the latest prominent campaigner on the election trail.

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced his arrival in the borough over a megaphone from his campaign bus.

A scheduled visit to walk round the streets of Shaw talking to the public was changed at the last minute because of the rain.

Instead he opted for the dry option, visiting Hills Panel Products for a walkaround with managing director Stephen Hill.

It gave the businessman a half-hour chance to raise concerns with Mr Prescott, in the hope of reaching the ears of the Government, despite Mr Prescott’s decision to stand down from parliament.

The Scottfield Road company employs 120 staff and is one of the biggest kitchen fitters in the North-West.

Mr Hill told the 72-year-old retiring MP about soaring material costs and the adverse effects of the slow housing market on orders for new kitchens.

Mr Prescott’s visit to Oldham came 3,500 miles into his 5,000-mile tour of more than 50 marginal seats in the hope of winning extra votes for Labour.

He was keen to tour the factory floor, speaking to workers as he passed, including Stephen Gill.

Stephen said: “He asked about the machinery and production, and was interested in what we were doing.”

At one stage, motorist Tony Marsden jumped out of his car when he spotted Mr Prescott and asked him to sign a £20 note.

Mr Prescott was accompanied on his visit by Oldham East and Saddleworth Labour candidate Phil Woolas.

Mr Prescott said he was doing “a great job” in a “very difficult” position as immigration minister, “listening to what people say and changing policy.”

Mr Prescott came to Oldham the day after Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who caused a storm when he branded a Rochdale pensioner “bigoted.”

Mr Prescott said that Mr Brown had apologised, admitted he should not have said it, but was under immense pressure and should now be allowed to get on with his job.

He said Mr Brown was mortified by the incident, was a “decent, honest man,” and should be judged on having brought economic prosperity and social justice to the nation, and his performance in keeping Britain afloat in the face of global economic instability.

“He is only human, people make mistakes, but the public are very forgiving and my main message for people on this campaign is to turn out and vote,” Mr Prescott added.

“We have a real battle on.”

Catch up with the candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/