Jim McMahon elected in Oldham West with increased voteshare for Labour

Jim McMahon says he feels his “track record as council leader” helped him increase Labour’s share of the vote, as he was elected in tonight’s Oldham West and Royton by-election.

McMahon received 17,322 votes – up 7 points to 62%. UKIP, who had been expected to mount a serious challenge, won just 22% of the vote in a distant second place.

After winning, McMahon said:

“I am delighted to have been elected tonight. 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, my priority will always be Oldham.

We also need to remember what is currently at stake under this Tory government. While everyone is looking the other way they are quietly pushing through cuts that will change the face of towns like Oldham.

The sooner we kick the Tories out and get a Labour government back in the better for all of us. The hard work starts now.” 

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacted to the news, saying:

You can see the full distribution of votes here:

Labour – 17,322

UKIP – 6,487

Conservative – 2,596

Liberal Democrat – 1,024

Green – 249

Monster Raving Loony – 141