The vehicle repair shop owner who came second in Rochdale by-election

By Ewan Gawne & George LythgoeBBC News

Local businessman David Tully said he stood to be a “breath of fresh air”

Vehicle repair shop owner David Tully’s second place finish in the Rochdale by-election was a surprise for many.

The independent candidate began his campaign four weeks ago, and received 6,638 votes, more than the Conservatives and Labour combined.

He billed himself as a “breath of fresh air” from mainstream political parties.

The by-election, called following the death of Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd in January, was won by Workers Party of Britain candidate George Galloway.

The former Labour and Respect Party MP, whose campaign focused heavily on Gaza, overturned a Labour majority with 12,335 votes.

Mr Tully came in second.

“I’m overwhelmed to be honest,” Mr Tully said after the results were called.

“To come from nowhere in a few weeks to second in a by-election in my local town, I’m very proud. I’m humbled that people have backed me.”

Who is David Tully?

The local businessman runs David Tully Ltd, a family-run vehicle repair centre that has been established in Rochdale for fifty years.

Born and raised in the town, he has represented and coached at Rochdale Rugby Union and is a season ticket-holder for Rochdale AFC.

The local businessman was born and raised in Rochdale

Mr Tully announced his candidacy four weeks ago, due to a push for a local voice in government, after he said he had a feeling from the people of Rochdale that their problems have gone unheard.

What did he campaign for?

The independent stood on a range of local issues such as the reinstatement of a maternity ward, a crackdown on speeding, and for support for local businesses.

A cheer went out when independent Dave Tully’s result was called

He also advocated for funding to secure the future of Rochdale AFC and more backing for local amateur sports clubs across the borough.

How did he react?

Speaking to the BBC after the contest, he said he campaigned to be a “voice of the people” as many were tired with the “same old routine” of mainstream politics.

Mr Tully said he wanted to “say what our town feels, and on a bigger stage, what our nation feels”, and hoped he would inspire other local people to do similar.

What will he do next?

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. he would need to “speak to my family” before thinking about his next move in politics.

“The campaign was a little overwhelming, there are some parts of it that I’m not used to. It was a challenge.

“I turned up, showed up and did what we did. On Monday I’m straight back to David Tully Ltd.”

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