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Meacher proud of 11th victory
Date published: 07 May 2010
RICHARD HOOTON, KAREN DOHERTY, JANICE BARKER & MIKE ATTENBOROUGH
ELECTION 2010
MICHAEL Meacher secured an 11th election victory with only a minor dent to his majority.
And Oldham’s longest-serving MP ins history has not ruled out standing again at the next election.
But the 70-year-old Labour MP, first elected in 1970 and Environment Minister from 1997 to 2003, insists he is never complacent about retaining his seat.
The result was declared at 6am with Mr Meacher polling 19,503, with his majority down by 1,107 to 9,352.
He said: “Obviously, I’m pleased because not only am I enabled to continue to have this privileged role in representing Oldham in parliament, the fact was that it’s a very good result for Labour in Oldham West.
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For all the results, click here
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The swing against me was not major, in fact it was about 1 per cent, one of the smallest swings anywhere in the country.”
Mr Meacher put the success down to the hard work of his office team which has helped thousands of Oldhamers over the years.
He added it was also down to “the organisation of our campaign and I like to think my reputation as an independent, radical-minded representative of Oldham has played a part.”
Mr Meacher put his longevity down to Oldham being a fine Labour town with a deep Labour culture due to its industrial past — which he was fortunate to inherit.
Asked if he would stand again in the future, he replied: “I’ve not thought that far forward. It depends on my health and the views of my party. I’m not just there to draw a salary but I have a contribution to make.”
During his victory speech, Mr Meacher thanked his supporters, friends, colleagues and everyone who voted for him.
He said national predictions of a landslide against Labour had proved unfounded and it was an honourable result for a government of 13 years.
He added it was a profound honour and the greatest privilege of his life to represent the people of Oldham. The turnout rose from 53.5 per cent to 59.7 per cent with Mr Meacher delighted to see more people voting.
Kamran Ghafoor defended second place for the Conservatives with 10,151 votes — up by more than 2,000.
He said: “I’m quite disappointed but thankful to the 10,151 people who voted for me and wanted a change for Oldham.
“It’s a good result and we have not had a result like that for a long time. Next time I will go for the win.”
Lib-Dem Mark Alcock was disappointed not to get second after polling 8,193 — an increase of more than 600.
He said: “It’s been a long campaign and a lot of hard work has gone into it.
“It’s a credible result. I’m really proud to stand for the Lib-Dems here and we have increased our share of the vote and we will keep working for the people as we are here to make a real difference across Oldham. I will be standing again.”
BNP candidate David Joines took fourth place with 3,049, followed by UKIP candidate Helen Roberts with 1,387 and Respect Party candidate Shahid Miah with 627.
Comments
Unfortunately, you could equip a monkey with a Labour rosette in the section of the electorate which has put Mr. Meacher in and they would still be elected !!!!!!!
"well done to MICHAEL Meacher we were all behide you" -actually, Ibby786, we weren't. He got 45.5% of the vote, which means that more than half the voters didn't want Meacher. He lost votes from last time. Hope he thinks on that during his drive home to London. We'll see him again next election & not before, I'll bet.
600 extra people voted for alcock!!! you fools!
whats your road surface like outside your house?
if its a mess, you just voted to keep it that way!
caboroig - Why is it people like you have been saying for the last month "see you Michael...dont let the door hit your backside on the way out" etc and now you claim his victory is tainted due to some people who dont know the difference between a Prosimian and a Human voting for him. How you must suffer being so superior and living amongst us mere mortals (sorry monkeys!).
Well, if you want to argue the toss over percentages - the Tories in the General Election didn't get an overall majority but they will still feel they have the right to govern if they can convince the Lib' Democrats to give up on their own supporters and 'save the day for Cameron'. The Lib' Democrats will be selling their souls but it'll mean a death knell for their party and that proposed coalition will be disastrous for the UK.
Have Your Say
well done to MICHAEL Meacher we were all behide you now its time you helped people out with there problems in the area of oldham and werneth.
By Ibby786 @ 07/05/2010 12:41:13