This one is for Michael...

victorious Jim McMahon with partner Charlene celebrate the result with Labour supporters. Picture Darren Robinson

LABOUR'S Jim McMahon last night romped to victory with an overwhelming majority of 10,722 votes in the Oldham West and Royton by-election.

Many suggested UKIP's John Bickley would run the 35-year-old Oldham Council leader close, but Mr McMahon enjoyed a comfortable margin from his 17,209 votes. Though the lower turnout meant a reduced majority, Labour took an even bigger share of the vote than in the last General Election.

Oldham West and Royton's newly-elected MP was quick to point out that being the only candidate from Oldham put him at a huge advantage.

"I am delighted to have been elected tonight,” he said. “Michael Meacher was a close friend of mine and he was admired by people across the country as someone who worked tirelessly for the causes he believed in. I will do my best to live up to those high standards.

"My sole focus has always been on what is best for Oldham, I want to make our town a better place for my sons to grow up in and make it somewhere they can be proud of.

"From day one the feedback has been very positive but - I must admit — I'm a little overwhelmed. I never thought we would get the majority we got. I never thought I would be standing here as an MP in a town that I live in and love.

"Being the local candidate has been a big factor and Oldham West and Royton have put their faith in my track record. From the very start for me this has always been about making Oldham a better place.

"I see the Tories taking money from towns like Oldham and I am sick to death of it. I recognise that for Oldham to do well we need a Labour government."

National press considered last night's vote a referendum on new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn; while some reports suggested Mr McMahon might lose to UKIP. Others believed Mr McMahon's personal popularity in the town overcame any national issue.

However, true to his message, Mr McMahon reiterated "Tonight is about Oldham".

"Throughout the campaign I was thinking, Michael will be watching over us and I was scared of letting him down,” said McMahon. “So I'm glad that together we have delivered a result Michael would be proud of.”

It is unclear how quickly Mr McMahon will move from council leader to MP, but he said the transition must be smooth.

"But I want to enjoy tonight first," he concluded.


The Result

Jim McMahon (Lab) 17,209

John Bickley (UKIP) 6,487

James Daly (Con) 2,596

Jane Brophy (Lib-Dem) 1,024

Simeon Hart (Green) 249

Sir Oink-a-Lot (MRLP) 141

Majority: 10,722

Turn-out: 40.26 per cent