MPs hail Labour victory

ELECTION 2011:

THE best results for Labour since the poll tax disaster for Mrs Thatcher.

That was the reaction of Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher, who said: “I have been in Oldham for 42 years and, with one exception, they are the best results for half a century.

“Every single ward in my constituency was won by margins we have never experienced before.

“The fact that the Labour Party nearly won in Shaw and Crompton, and did win in Saddleworth West and Lees, are extraordinary results.

“It is just an unbelievably good night for Labour, but we cannot rest on our laurels. It will be difficult for Labour in the current economic conditions.”

His delight was mirrored by Labour’s Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams, who said: “It really was a superb night. It was better than expected and the first time in 37 years we have won a Saddleworth seat.

“We have worked hard for it, building on from the momentum of the by-election and making sure we are in touch with people.

“We have a very good council leader now who has come up with some innovative ideas about creating a co-operative council.”