MP in election blast

Date published: 14/01/2010

OLDHAM MP Michael Meacher has launched a scathing attack on both Gordon Brown and David Cameron’s approach to the election saying they are “living on a different planet.”

The Oldham West and Royton MP criticised David Cameron’s airbrushed campaign poster and the Prime Minister’s claim that Labour is the party of aspiration while the Tories are the party of austerity.

He said: “What planet are they living on? People want to see action on housing so housebuilding should provide jobs for the jobless and homes for the 1.8 million on waiting lists.”

This week, Housing Minister John Healey announced Oldham was one of 73 councils to be given a share of £122 million for 1,930 new homes across the country.

Oldham housing chiefs will be handed £797,500 to support the construction of four homes in Clyde Street costing £265,000, five homes at a cost of £322,500 in Hawthorne Road and £210,000 for three homes at Rufford Close.

Mr Meacher added: “While any new houses are welcome, this is 12 homes when Oldham has a waiting list of 8,000.”