Labour Increases Share Of The Vote In Oldham

Jim McMahon MP
Labour has seen off the challenge from UKIP to win the Oldham West and Royton by-election with a majority of more than 10,000.
The contest was Jeremy Corbyn's first electoral test since he became Labour leader and came after a torrid week in which the party was split over airstrikes against Islamic State in Syria.
Turnout was higher than expected at just over 40%, and Labour's success appears to have been secured with an effective postal vote operation. Its candidate Jim McMahon polled 17,209 votes, with UKIP'S John Bickley trailing in second on 6,487, a majority of 10,722.
Labour's share of the vote increased to 62.11% and there was a 2.27% swing from UKIP to Labour. He claimed to have "evidence from an impeccable source that today's postal voting was bent".
"As a veteran of over 30 by-elections I have never seen such a perverse result. Serious questions need to be asked," he tweeted.
But Mr Corbyn said the result was a "vote of confidence" in Labour.
"I am delighted that Labour has not only won the Oldham West and Royston by-election - but increased our share of the vote since the General Election in May," he said on Twitter.
He added: "By-elections can be difficult for the party holding the seat, and turnouts often low. But to increase our share of the vote since the general election is a vote of confidence in our party.
"It's a clear demonstration that Labour is the party working people trust."
The by-election followed the death of former Labour minister Michael Meacher, who won in the General Election with a majority of more than 14,000.
Mr McMahon, the leader of Oldham Council, 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.
"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.

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