LABOUR stalwart Lawrence Cunliffe saw off the Tory's young pretender in Leigh.

And he's heading back to Westminster with a 24,492 majority - up over 5,000 - for his fifth Parliamentary term and his first supporting Labour in Government.

One of his top three priorities for Leigh is more cash for the reinstatement of the accident and emergency department at Leigh Infirmary.

He also vowed to fight for more jobs, especially for the young, and more cash for council services.

"I will especially fight for jobs for the young people. They should be the first to be considered," said a jubilant Mr Cunliffe.

Pledging to help Wigan Council gain a bigger slice of government funding , Mr Cunliffe added: "It's imperative for social services, education and health."

A staunch campaigner against the turning of the A and E department into a minor injuries unit, Mr Cunliffe added: "The health authorities need more money and it is imperative we reinstate the accident and emergency unit."

And he vowed: "We will always be strong and true and loyal in Leigh. This victory tonight will resound throughout the country. We are going back to power with new Labour, a new leader, a new Government and a new life for Britain."

Tory Ed Young, saw his party's support crash by over 6,000 votes. But he told Mr Cunliffe: "Don't get too comfortable. The Tories are back in town!" LEIGH Lawrence Cunliffe (Lab) 31,652

Ed Young (Con) 7,156

Peter Hough (Lib Dem) 5,163

Roy Constable (Ref) 1,949

LABOUR HOLD. Majority 24,492

Percentage poll: 65pc

Swing to Labour: 10.6pc

1992: Lawrence Cunliffe (Lab) 32,225; Joe Egerton (Con) 13,398; Robert Bleakley (Lib Dem) 6,621; Adrian Tayler (Nat. Law) 320. Majority: 18,827.

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