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

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

And 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."

Turning to the A and E department, which was replaced with a minor injuries unit, Mr Cunliffe - already a staunch campaigner - said: "The health authorities need more money and it is imperative we reinstate the accident and emergency unit."

Relishing his increased majority, Mr Cunliffe added: "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, former Conservative leader on Reading Council, saw his party's support crash by over 6,000 votes.

But he said: "Leigh was one of the few North West constituencies where the sitting MP scored fewer votes than in 1992. Despite national humiliation, Leigh Tories are pleased with their election strategy.

"Mr Cunliffe can hardly be satisfied with his performance. However, I wish him well."

Mr Young acknowledged that many Leigh Tories had stayed at home but warned: "Our message to Leigh Labour is: watch out - the Tories will be back in town."

Peter Hough (Lib Dems) came third while the Referendum party's Roy Constable lost his deposit.

*Lawrence Cunliffe (Lab) 31,652

Ed Young (Con) 7,156

Roy Constable (Ref) 1,949

Peter Hough (Lib Dem) 5,163

Majority 24,492

Percentage poll: 65%

LABOUR HOLD

Swing to Labour: 10.6%

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.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.