Tom Besford

Best work day ever. Rochdale’s Town of Culture Beer is on tap in the Stranger’s Bar in Parliament.

Brilliant to meet with some of the brewers Anthony, Domenico and Sean who were down for the event.

Report sets out ‘blueprint for change’ to increase working-class representation in the arts Inquiry finds class should become protected characteristic and calls for rise in number of apprenticeships

It’s been an eye opening but important experience working with Rise on this vital piece of work.

If you are interested in widening access, participation and representation in the cultural sectors, please read the full Class Ceiling report here: www.riseassociates.co.uk/downloads/Cl...

What is happening in Minneapolis is terrifying and heartbreaking. A second murder by Trump’s private armed secret police.

The historic parallels are hideous and unmistakable.

Taking Reform to task at Rochdale Borough Council last night.

@mrjamesob.bsky.social some of the finest live commentary I’ve ever witnessed. ‘Effectively a gold carriage journey across the King’s garden.’

This weekend at the Co-op Congress in #Rochdale I had many conversations about the opportunity for the @coopparty.party.coop to be the progressive change making driving force of this government.

Maybe championing cooperative values of inclusion and equity or promoting community ownership and more.

Daniel Hannan celebrates his chronicle of Brexit idiocy foretold | John Crace Back in 2016, Dan prophesied about what the post-EU sunlit uplands would be like on this very day – no spoiler alert needed

I don’t think I’ll ever really understand why we did this to ourselves.

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Really great to show @rochdalecouncil.bsky.social new Chief Exec around the ward with fellow Councillors and @paulwaughmp.bsky.social

This is absolutely fantastic news! Something I and many others have been campaigning and working on for years. Thanks @andyburnham.bsky.social and the Greater Manchester Music Commission.

Today Keir Starmer showed what a true statesman looks like. Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦

Nothing beats a doorknock round on a sunny day. Genuinely lovely to speak to residents and help where we can. #labourdoorstep #littleborough

Keir Starmer embraces President Zelensky as he arrives at Downing St.

Well done BBC for being so unequivocal on calling out Trump’s outright lies as he capitulates to Putin.

Europe needs to stand together in solidarity with Ukraine.

Cold Weather Payments Activated for Rochdale Residents - Paul Waugh Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has announced that eligible residents across the constituency will automatically receive Cold Weather Payments following a recent cold spell. Covering the period from 5th to 11t...

Cold weather payments activated for Rochdale residents ❄️

Due to the cold weather, automatic payments have been issued to elligible residents across Rochdale.

Find out more here:
paulwaugh.co.uk/2025/01/13/c...

Today I spoke in Parliament about the hard work being done in Rochdale to protect women and girls from domestic violence and from the scourge of grooming gangs.

See the full speech here:
paulwaugh.co.uk/2025/01/09/g...

This is not what he said and they know it. Something very disturbing has happened to much of the British press and a fair amount of conservative politics. The extremist Musk tail wagging the formerly mainstream dog.

The UK music industry is reporting record revenues. The reality is much gloomier | Eamonn Forde We’re apparently spending more on music than any time since the CD era – but the calculation methods are archaic, and don’t reflect the low incomes for many artists • News: UK music sales hit record high as Taylor Swift tops album sellers If the record…

The UK music industry is reporting record revenues. The reality is much gloomier | Eamonn Forde

This is the colleague that the likes of Cleverly, Badenoch & Jenrick are refusing to defend...

Town's name 'exploited by people playing political game' Paul Waugh spoke in the House of Commons as the Home Secretary defended her decision not to launch a national inquiry into groomin gangs

Stop politicising sexual violence against children and stop spreading misinformation.

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...

This is absolutely fantastic news. Nick and the team of volunteers have been working tirelessly to restore this much loved community space for years.

This investment will secure the future of Hare Hill House.

🎄Well this is a nice early Christmas present.

Rochdale has been awarded £20 million after campaigning by myself + the council for cash to regenerate our town.

Shows what a huge difference a Labour MP working with a Labour Govt and a Labour Council can make

facebook.com/share/p/rHwQSC…

It was dark during the Council Mtg
But in daytime there's a great view of the Seven Sisters thru' the gorgeous windows
So the Seven Sisters were standing sentinel outside as the Motion in favour of Saving them was passed 🥲
@tombesford.bsky.social
@paulwaughmp.bsky.social
@andyburnham.bsky.social

'Stand Up for Social Housing'
c500 #Homes kept empty on College Bank
We support the Council Motion for Refurbishment NOT demolition
Support us in Supporting this Motion
Rochdale Town Hall
Weds 18 Dec 6pm

@paulwaughmp.bsky.social
@tombesford.bsky.social
@triciaayr.bsky.social

College Bank has been suffering neglect & lack of maintenance
We asked for Quick Wins to start putting this right
See our before & after photos of a canopy repair
@tombesford.bsky.social
@paulwaughmp.bsky.social

Our brilliant posties do a fabulous job all year round, but we’re especially grateful in the run up to Christmas.

Many thanks to Lesley, Michaela, Kirsty and all the team at Royal Mail in Rochdale.

It was lovely to help judge the annual Christmas Window Decoration Competition in Littleborough village.

Many congratulations to Janet’s Hair Salon and the Highly Commended runners up: Knickerish-Allsorts, Busy Beans Coffee and The Secret.

Amplify is almost here!

Here's a sneak peek of some of what's inside 👀

Look out for your copy arriving this week

The UK Govt today
pledged an extra £13m to UNRWA to provide vital services for Palestinian refugees in the occupied territories.

Keir Starmer + UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of all hostages and much more humanitarian aid.

Several news organisations rightly picked up on this: Tory peers have been trying to filibuster the Football Governance Bill in the Lords. This is a manifesto commitment - and has cross-party backing. So they should heed Lisa Nandy's warning