Fellow MPs lead applause
Date published: 14 January 2011
National spotlight: OVER 124 journalists from all over the country and abroad attended the first by-election of the new coalition government’s term in charge. The 48.1 per cent poll was well down on the 61.6 per cent back in May, but considered good for a by-election.
Debbie Abrahams’ historic victory was applauded by veteran Labour MP Michael Meacher, and neighbouring MP David Heyes.
Mr Meacher, who last year celebrated 40 years in Oldham West and Royton, said: “It is a sensational victory, to go from from a majority of 103 to nearly 3,600 in just six months is phenomenal
“It is a turn around for the Coalition, if not a fatal blow, and will be seen in future to be the beginning of the end, and a disaster for Nick Clegg.”
Mr Heyes, who won his Ashton seat including Failsworth, in 2001, and is a former Oldham councillor, added: “Debbie Abrahams is going to have a completely different approach to politics, and I look forward to working with her.”
Oldham Council’s Labour opposition leader, Jim McMahon added: “The people of Oldham have put the Lib Dems on the back foot. I look forward to fighting them again in May.”
Family bowled over Debbie Abrahams’ greatest supporters were there to cheer her victory — husband John and daughters Victoria and Dawn.
And John revealed he was meant to be in Sri Lanka with the England under 19s cricket team, which he manages.
The team went out on January 6, but he has put off going until tomorrow.
Daughters Victoria (23) and Dawn (21) walked with their mother into the Queen Elizabeth Hall to resounding cheers. And John said: “I am absolutely proud and very pleased for Debbie.”
Leaders admit defeat
LIB-DEM and Tory leaders predicted their defeat hours before the result was declared. Lib-Dem president Tim Farron told the Chronicle more than two hours before: “I think we have done very well. I would be staggered if we won. We fight every seat to win and I hate losing. But we were in a position where this seat was held by Labour in May during their worst result since the First World War and it would have be blooming staggering for them to lose.
Burnham twists the knife
LABOUR’S campaign co-ordinator Andy Burnham and shadow education secretary said: “In the cold light of the New Year people have really decided that what they have got in the Government is not what people voted for.”
Elvis is all shook up
LIB-Dem supporters cheered and applauded their candidate Elwyn Watkins as he arrived at the count at 1.15am — only for Bus Pass Elvis Party candidate Dave Bishop to dampen the mood by shouting: “Why are you all clapping — he’s lost.”
