‘I’m doing two jobs and still find it hard – can George Galloway change things?’

Rochdale is at the bottom of a miserable league. That’s according to the man running to be the town’s MP again.

A week before the general election was called, George Galloway – who briefly served as Rochdale’s MP after winning a by-election in February – told the House of Commons of the hardship his constituents are facing. He spoke of the high rates of deprivation, fuel poverty and ill-health in a debate on housing he dedicated to Awaab Ishak, who died aged 2 due to mould in a Freehold estate flat.

On the streets of Rochdale, the struggle is real. But, much like other places, faith in politicians fixing these problems is in short supply.

READ MORE: George Galloway says he should be allowed on TV election debates

Stuart Hallworth, 40, has seen his rent rise sharply in recent years. He used to pay £400 a month but says he is now looking at £650.

“As a single parent, that’s a lot,” he says.

Stuart is not planning to vote at the upcoming election. He doubts it will make a difference.

“I don’t believe any of them,” he explains. “I think they’re all as bad as each other.”

Unlike Stuart, Kerry Bridge, 48, who lives in Newbold, will probably vote on July 4. But she hasn’t decided who to back yet.

Originally from Portsmouth, she moved to Rochdale five years ago and now works at a bookies and as a youth worker. But she is still struggling to pay the bills.

“I’m doing two jobs and I still find it hard,” she says. “Electricity, fuel, car insurance. Nothing’s cheap anymore.”

The former Labour voter has gone for the Green Party at recent elections. But she is unsure who to back at the ballot box this time.

“They’re all the same in different ways,” she says. “They all say they’re going to help in this way or that way.

“For me it’s knowing who’s going to help the most. Not just me, but other people too.”

Kerry’s cynicism applies to Mr Galloway too. “I just feel it’s a status thing for him rather than making changes for the area,” she explains.

“I know he’s well-known, but I don’t know if he’s well liked.”

Chris, 33, who lives near Spotland, used to vote Labour too, but now backs independents. He is not a fan of Mr Galloway either.

“Don’t get me started,” he says when asked about the politician and former reality TV contestant. “Mr Big Brother purring like a cat?

“He’s not even from Rochdale. You should be from Rochdale or at least from Greater Manchester.

“We need someone to stand up for the town.”

Adam, however, believes Mr Galloway has done a lot for the town in his short stint as MP. The 30-year-old will vote for him on July 4.

“He’s making changes,” he says, citing Mr Galloway’s pledge to restore maternity services in Rochdale as an example.

Mr Galloway’s stance on the war in Gaza is another reason why Adam supports him. The Middle East conflict will undoubtedly be a factor in some voters minds with Labour having lost the backing of some of its usual supporters over delays in calling for a ceasefire.

Mohammed Rafiq, 64, wouldn’t usually vote Labour. He normally votes for the Conservatives, but now feels ‘politically homeless’.

He is ‘not impressed’ with Sir Keir Starmer, referring to the Labour’s leader’s record on the war in Gaza as the main reason he is reluctant to vote for the party. If it wasn’t for this, he says, it would be a ‘very different decision’. “It’s sad we don’t have an alternative,” he adds.

“George Galloway makes the right noises,” he says. “But how much influence does he have? Can he make a difference?

“From the speeches I’ve heard, he seems to be the kind of guy who cares about the real issues. But in the general election, if you vote for him, will the vote be wasted?”

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News last week, Mr Galloway set out his offer to the local electorate. He argued that his presence in Parliament as Rochdale’s MP means the town would be prioritised over other places under a Labour government.

“Because the one thing in the world, in Rochdale, (Labour) want more than any other is to see the back of me,” he said.

Labour has chosen Rochdale-born political journalist Paul Waugh to stand in the constituency this time. The Tories, Lib Dems, Greens and Reform UK will also be contesting the seat which Labour has won at the last four general elections with majorities of up to 14,000.

But weeks before the by-election, Labour withdrew support for its candidate Azhar Ali after ‘deeply offensive’ comments he made about Israel emerged. Mr Ali still appeared on the ballot next to Labour’s logo, but the party was not campaigning for him to win.

In the end, Mr Galloway won nearly 40 per cent of the vote with local businessman Dave Tully coming second as an independent. Mr Galloway admits that it will be harder for him to win the seat at a general election, but is hopeful his party will win in several seats.