Labour’s Andy MacNae, a former councillor, has been elected as MP for Rossendale and Darwen in the general election, beating Conservative Jake Berry, who had won the previous four elections.

The results were announced early this morning in Haslingden, as dawn broke and Britain entered a new political era with Labour’s nation-wide victory.

Labour supporters cheered as the result was declared and included Andy's wife, Vanessa.

Mr MacNae said: “I’m tired after weeks of campaigning but really excited about being elected and getting a Labour government that’s going to govern for everyone. During the campaign here, there was good engagement from people who are enthusiastic for change even though there is some public scepticism about politics.

“This is a historic result for Labour across the country. It’s an opportunity – but just an opportunity at the moment.  We will need to be focused and delivering, to show that governments can actually make a positive difference.”

READ MORE: Results from East Lancashire seats in general election 2024 

Mr MacNae was a Rossendale Labour councillor for the Irwell ward until the last election. He first put his name forward as a potential Westminster candidate in 2013. But Will Straw, son of former Blackburn Labour MP Jack Straw, was chosen at the time. Then a series of women-only selections took place for the seat. But then he was selected for the 2024 general election.

He was born in southern England but moved with his family to Scotland, later Manchester and Cheshire. He studied at university in London then Leeds.

He became a keen climber and later worked for the British Mountaineering Council in Manchester. He worked and climbed with world-renowned mountaineer Chris Bonington and Mick Fowler, a top Himalayan climber

He arrived in Rossendale in 2004 and became a councillor in 2011.  In Rossendale, he first worked in business advice then set up his own regeneration business with a focus on outdoor adventures and sports.  Cycling is a big interest. He is a trustee director of Cycling UK and helped develop Rossendale’s Lee and Cragg Quarry bike circuits.

As a borough councillor, his activities included roles in the Bacup Townscape Heritage Initiative, which included building restorations, public space improvements, skills, business and regeneration activity. Other council projects included Rawtenstall’s new town square and the Rossendale Works jobs service. He was a council cabinet member with a remit for regeneration, leisure and tourism for four years.

Jake Berry’s votes fell from more than 27,000 in the last election to over 12,000 yesterday. His time as an MP for Rossendale has spanned the modern Conservative government era which began in 2010 with David Cameron and then led to Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak as prime ministers. But that has now ended.

He has been associated with Conservative government projects including the Northern Powerhouse, Levelling-Up and town deals.

He did not speak to the press during the count in Haslingden or from the platform at the declaration.

General election results 2024 - Hyndburn

Rossendale and Darwen – Labour WIN

Labour Andy MacNae Votes 18,247

Conservative,Jake Berry Votes 12,619

Reform UK,Daniel Matchett Votes 9,695

Green,Bob Bauld Votes 2,325

Liberal Democrat,Rowan Fitton Votes 1,241

Workers Party of Britain,Tayab Ali Votes 491