Making jobs safe is top priority

SECURING jobs across Oldham will be the centrepiece of the election campaign for the town’s two current MPs.

Both Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas and Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher say safeguarding jobs and rebuilding the fragile economy must be key.

The Prime Minister yesterday said he would fight the election on the values instilled by his parents and would seek a clear mandate to continue the “road to recovery”, as Labour bids for a fourth term.

David Cameron said the country would be facing a “big choice” at the ballot box and his party offered fresh hope.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg his party was the one one offering “real change”.

Mr Woolas said: “I will be publishing my own local manifesto as I have done in the previous three elections, as well as fighting on the Labour party’s national manifesto.

“I will be focussing on jobs and keeping people in jobs and especially for young people and also tackling the yobbishness in the area and the appalling image of our town centre.

“I hope and expect Labour to win but it is the closest and most interesting election since 1992 and I just ask voters to be careful what they wish for.

“The public have a responsibility as well as politicians.”

The polls are indicating it will be the closest election in decades.

One poll yesterday gave the Tories a four per cent lead over Labour, whereas another put Tories 10 points clear.

Mr Meacher said: “We have to focus on jobs and not putting the economic recovery at risk.”

Oldham West and Royton and Ashton were included on a list of 400 safe seats put out by the Electoral Reform yesterday.