New Bolton North East MP Kirith Entwistle's maiden speech

This came as Kirith Entwistle, who was elected MP for Bolton North East in the General Election earlier this month, became the first of the 2024 intake of new MPs to make her maiden speech in the House of Commons.

In her speech, she thanked her fellow MPs along with her predecessors Sir David Crausby and Mark Logan before setting out what her priorities would be.

Ms Entwistle said: “Sir David Crausby had a long-standing interest in improving the railways in our region, something I hope to continue work on, having experienced cancellations on Day one of travelling down to this place.

“Sir David has been a great mentor of mine, and I hope to build on his legacy and do the people of Bolton North East proud.

Ms Entwistle was elected in the general election of July 4 (Image: Phil Taylor)

“I wish him, his wife Enid and their family well, and cannot thank them enough for their ongoing support.

“My predecessor, Mark Logan, who has as thick a Boltonian accent as mine, aspired to work hard to make the required Metrolink from Bolton to Manchester a reality.

“We have a shared vision in improving connectivity for the town neither of us was born bred in but one that we both call home.

“I hope to work with our ambitious Metro Mayor for Greater Manchester in making this vision a reality, and thank Mark Logan for his service to the people of Bolton, and indeed his support during my general election campaign.

“I also wish him and his family well.”

Labour’s Ms Entwistle topped the poll at a tense election count on July 4 with more than 16,000 votes, more than 6,000 ahead of second-placed Conservative candidate Cllr Adele Warren.

Her predecessor Mr Logan, who as a Conservative had defeated Labour’s Sir David Crausby in 2019, shocked colleagues and observers alike by changing allegiance to back Labour.

Speaking to the House of Commons, Ms Entwistle also paid tribute to entrepreneurs in her new constituency.

These included Bromley Cross businesswoman Allison Angel and Halliwell “Mum’s Mate” founder Farida Patel as well as charities like Fort Alice.

Ms Entwistle also spoke of her pride in being the first Sikh to represent Bolton North East.

She said: “The Sikh values of ‘seva’, service for the betterment of others, and humility, are visible throughout Bolton.

“It’s in our history, and it has been woven through the very fabric of our town.

“Community assets like the Bolton Lads and Girls Club, The Octagon Theatre, Bolton Museum and Library are testament of this.

ALSO READ: Voters 'demand change' as Bolton seats swept up in landslide election result

ALSO READ: Full results in dramatic Bolton general election count

ALSO READ: Results from Bolton seats in general election 2024

“I will do my utmost to keep these at the heart of everything that I do here, and will do my best to protect them, and restore rich heritage centres such as the Hall I’ Th’ Wood museum.”

She added: “I have both the desire and the determination to improve our town, in particular our town centre, which I wish to see revitalised and renewed, and to give our young people hope and the chance of a brighter future again, and finally, to see our history and heritage rightly celebrated.

“For this little Indian girl from the culture-rich Southall, it is a great honour and a privilege to represent this fascinating and heritage-rich town of Bolton.”

Ms Entwistle was congratulated by Conservative former minister Robert Jenrick.

He said: “It’s quite clearly a real achievement to be the first to make a maiden speech and I’m sure members on both sides of the House will join me in congratulating her and wishing her well in the years ahead in Parliament.”