Woolas: I warned this would happen

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas said: “Millions of people will be let down by the Lib-Dems jumping into bed with the Tories, I warned if you voted Lib-Dems you would get the Tories.

“My party must regroup and move forward.

“As an MP in opposition my job is to fight for Oldham and I will continue to do that.

“My first priority is to get a new school for Saddleworth. I will continue to fight for the interests of Oldham at the highest level.”

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said: “Although I think it was enticing to consider Labour-Lib-Dems coalition, I think on balance it is better for Labour to go into opposition.

“Government at this stage will be unstable and unpopular. As a Labour party we have to renew ourselves as a party and convince our core voters we are working for them.”

Oldham Lib-Dems leader Howard Sykes described the historic deal as “a proud moment.”

He said: “It has been a long time since we have had Liberals in the national government.

“There will be challenges ahead but these are exciting times and it is refreshing to see national politicians putting the national interest first.”

Meanwhile, Oldham’s Conservative party leader Jack Hulme gave a cautious thumbs up.

He said: “Like many other people I have some reservations about it, but it does seem, given the way the electorate voted last week, the logical way forward. I like the spirit of give and take that seems to be prevailing down at Westminster.”