The Manchester Gorton by-election can change things for the whole party – and we need you to come and help to make that happen.

Look at what we achieved in Witney. We sent a message loud and clear that the Lib Dem fightback was on. We proved we could take a serious number of votes from the Conservatives, angry at their former party’s backing for a hard Brexit.

If we can do to Labour in Manchester what we did to the Tories in Witney or Richmond Park we will send shock waves through British politics.

We have an amazing story to tell in Manchester Gorton.  From our great candidate Jackie Pearcey who has a proud 20 year record as a local councillor, to our party’s positive message of hope for an open and tolerant Britain.

And that’s not to mention the failure of Labour in Manchester and nationally. Labour have sided – and voted – with UKIP on Brexit – letting down the 62% of people in Manchester Gorton constituency who voted Remain. And at a local level they take Manchester and its voters for granted.

But we need your help to get that message across.

Only last Wednesday we walked into an empty shop on Stockport Road in Levenshulme for the first time to set up our new Lib Dem HQ. Within hours of getting the office keys, it was bustling with activity as we unloaded the party’s by-election kit – fresh from its triumphs in Witney and Richmond Park.

Now 815 Stockport Road in Manchester is up and running as HQ for the Manchester Gorton by-election. The Greater Manchester Mayoral campaign is now also basing itself there.

I know that many activists have local elections this May – and all of us wish you the very best of luck.

But if you’re not fighting to win in your own area this May, please come and help Jackie here in Manchester Gorton.

Help us take the Lib Dem fightback to Labour in the north just as Lib Dems have in local council by-elections in Sheffield, Sunderland and Rotherham.

With your help we can do this.

I look forward to seeing you all here soon.

P.s.  The office is at 815 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3BS and is open daily from 9.30am – 8.30pm

As Jen Yockney’s video shows – you can get to our HQ in just 2 minutes from Levenshulme Railway Station.  It’s only 7 minutes at its quickest from Manchester Piccadilly and 10 from Stockport. It’s also on the main 192 bus route with an estimated 15 buses an hour. You can park your car across the road for free any time.

We’re in this by-election to win.  You can donate and volunteer to help here.

* Elspeth McCobb is the Liberal Democrat Campaign Manager for the Manchester Gorton by-election where our candidate is the excellent Jackie Pearcey.