JULIE Cooper has turned the tables on Liberal Democrat arch-rival Gordon Birtwistle and given Labour something to smile about.
The former council leader regained the seat for the party with a solid display which saw her bag 14,931 votes and a 3,244 majority.
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The new MP said: "It means a lot to me to represent my home town. It is a huge honour."
Her initial priority will be to boost Burnley's improving economy and tackle a range of social ills such as the need for food banks.
Mr Birtwistle said the national picture had not helped his cause but he took responsibility as the defeated candidate.
He added: "The people of Burnley decided that they wanted a change and that is a shame.
"I've left a strong legacy with the new train line, new business parks and hospital investment, of which I am proud."
Julie Cooper Labour 14,951
Gordon Birtwistle Liberal Democrat 11,707
Tom Commis UK Independence Party 6,864
Sarah Cockburn-Price Conservative 5,374
Mike Hargreaves Green 850
MAJORITY
3,244
(8.2%)
TURNOUT
61.6%
(39,746)
See all the action from the Counts in our General Election Gallery http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/photos/2015_photos/general_election_2015_results/
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