Oldham’s MPs get behind their new leader

All three of Oldham’s Labour MPs have offered their congratulations to new party leader Jereny Corbyn following his election victory on Saturday morning

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “I want to offer my congratulations to Jeremy Corbyn and Tom Watson on being elected leader and deputy. It is clear they have a mandate to lead our party.

“I also want to pay tribute to all the leadership candidates and in particular to Andy Burnham, a truly remarkable person, who I was proud to support.

“It is now time for the Labour Party to unite and take on this Tory government and hold them to account. And just as importantly we must construct our Labour vision of a more equal and fairer society.”

Michael Meacher, Oldham West and Royton MP said: “I am delighted Jeremy has been elected. It indicates people are fed up with austerity, the pain this government is causing, and wants change. We are now looking for different fundamentals. I feel excited, this is new and different.”

Angela Raynor, MP for Failsworth, said: “It is time to put differences aside and get behind our new Leader so we can focus on getting rid of this Tory Government. We face an uphill task, which is why it falls on every member and supporter of the Labour Party to get behind the new team.”

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “We've seen a huge increase in membership and supporters here in Oldham and many of them played a part in the leadership contest. It’s a very empowering thing to vote for the leader. We can only change Britain if we are in government and you only win elections through solid hard work.”