Following the General Election yesterday in the early hours of today at around 5am the result here in Bury North was announced and with 18070 votes I was elected to serve as the Member of Parliament. I feel tremendously honoured that the people of Bury North have placed their trust in me. I will try and not let them down.

The campaign has been very good natured and despite our political differences I got on very well on a personal level with the Candidates from the other main parties and I am sure Maryam Khan and Richard Baum will have successful political careers. I hope the fact that I have been elected at the fourth attempt will give them the determination to carry on.

Above all I want to say a big thank you to all those who took the time and trouble to vote for me yesterday.