Paul Waugh loses out in bid to stand as new Labour MP for Rochdale
The journalist Paul Waugh has missed out in his bid to stand as the new Labour MP for Rochdale.
The party held a hustings on Saturday where Lancashire County councillor Azhar Ali was elected by party members from a shortlist including Mr Waugh and Wigan councillor Nazia Rehman.
Mr Waugh went on leave from his role as i’s chief political commentator after being approached to stand by Labour activists in the wake of the death of former MP Tony Lloyd on January 17.
He said he agonised over the decision but felt compelled not to turn down the opportunity to represent his hometown, a safe Labour seat, after 26 years of reporting on politics.
Mr Waugh built a reputation for holding politicians to account across the spectrum, interrogating politicians from New Labour, the Con-Lib Coalition and the Conservatives.
Reacting to his selection, Mr Ali said: “I am proud and humbled to be chosen by our local party members as the Labour candidate for the Rochdale by-election.
“Sir Tony Lloyd was a dear friend of mine and a dedicated public servant. He was admired and respected far and wide – and I intend to follow in his footsteps and be a champion for Rochdale in Parliament.
“I promise to be a strong voice for every community across our town and to get things done.
“There is a lot to do and I will get to work straight away, fighting your corner.”
Commenting on the result, Mr Waugh said on X: “Many congratulations to Cllr Azhar Ali. He’ll be a great MP for Rochdale.”
Since the invention of the printing press, many journalists have tried to, and indeed become MPs. Memorably in 1997 the BBC journalist Martin Bell resigned to stand in that year’s general election as an independent.
With just three weeks to campaign, he trounced the Conservative incumbent, Neil Hamilton, who was facing sleaze allegations, after Labour and the Lib Dems stood aside.
i editor-in-chief Oliver Duff has said Mr Waugh will not return to his role as chief political commentator, regardless of whether he won the nomination.
No decision has yet been made on any future columns he may write in a different capacity.
i is the only UK national newspaper never to support a political party and has a reputation for trusted, non-partisan coverage of politics.
