UKIP launches local branch

THE UK Independence Party has set up an Oldham branch to build on recent election success.

Founded in 1993 to campaign for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the party has traditionally done poorly in local elections - but in recent months has gained more than 30 councillors from Tory defections. The party is actively expanding to maintain its growth.

At the inaugural meeting of the newly-created Oldham branch, members agreed that they would be attempting to chalenge Labour’s “vice-like grip” on the borough.

Carrol Ashton, chairwoman of UKIP Oldham, said: “The low turnout for elections and by-elections in Oldham is not because constituents are happy. It’s because prospective voters have not had a party candidate they trusted or felt would work for them.”

She added: “UKIP is here in Oldham. Our candidates, local Oldham residents, will be standing in elections and by-elections, giving voters the chance to show that UKIP is the party of common sense.”