DAVID Crausby coasted to victory in Bolton North East with a majority of more than 12,000 in a stunning reversal of his defeat in the same seat five years ago.

In 1992, Labour narrowly lost out in a nail biting re-count to the Conservatives by less than 200 votes.

But when the result was announced early today to the sound of jubilant chants of "Labour's coming home!" it brought a resounding win for Mr Crausby.

He said: "Five years ago I stood on a stage like this one and it was not a pleasant night but this one more than makes up for it.

"I remember saying at the time: 'Watch this space'. I'm well and truly back and intend to stay."

Engineering union convenor Mr Crausby added: "This result is particularly satisfying because it is nice to see the people of Bolton are prepared to vote for a trade unionist like me.

"This is a Labour town and a Labour Britain and I hope it will be for a long time to come."

Defeated Tory candidate Robert Wilson faced a difficult task with the legacy of former sitting MP Peter Thurnham's defection from the Tories to the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Wilson said: "I think the writing was on the wall more than a year ago but we put up a good fight. I look forward to a very strong fight back by the Conservatives in the coming years."

He added: "Divisions within the party have certainly not helped and the 'time for a change' argument was very difficult to counter."

The Liberal Democrats' brief taste of power in Bolton North East with Peter Thurnham came to a sharp halt with candidate Edmund Critchley polling less than 5,000 votes.

Mr Critchley said: "I have enjoyed the opportunity to speak up for what I really believe in.

"We have established a base of support but Bolton and Britain will have to wait a bit longer to see its effects." BOLTON NORTH EAST David Crausby (Lab) 27,621

Robert Wilson (Con) 14,952

Edmund Critchley (Lib Dem) 4,862

Billy Kelly (Soc Lab) 676

David Staniforth (Ref) 1,096

LABOUR GAIN. Majority: 12,669. Percentage Poll: 71.8pc.

Swing: 10.17pc.

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