Go-ahead Greg gains on the swing

JUBILANT Greg Pope notched up a sensational victory in Hyndburn with a stunning swing to Labour, giving him his second successive win.

He increased his majority to 11,448 - almost 9,500 up on 1992 - and took more than 55 per cent of the total vote.

Mr Pope said: "I never had any idea the swing or the majority would be anything like this.

"It's part of a national phenomenon which is outstanding."

Tory opponent Peter Britcliffe clocked up his 47th birthday on election day but had little to celebrate when his challenge was snuffed out by a 10 per cent swing to Labour.

He came out with 5,699 fewer votes than his predecessor Ken Hargreaves polled in 1992 when the Tories lost the seat to Mr Pope.

Coun Britcliffe said: "Obviously you are always disappointed if you lose and we have not made the progress in Hyndburn I had hoped for.

"Having said that, I have enjoyed being part of this election. I certainly have no regrets and I live to fight another day.

"More than 15,000 people in Hyndburn stayed with us and we won't let them down. We will be back."

Labour supporters cheered and applauded as the results were announced and Mr Pope's wife, Kate, was the first to congratulate him with a kiss.

In his election address Mr Pope said a "long national nightmare" was over. "The Conservatives have lost the trust of the people of Hyndburn and the people of Britain. New Labour under Tony Blair has gained their trust," he said.

Mr Pope, who is being tipped for a ministerial job, probably in education, said he was grateful to the people of Hyndburn for again placing their trust in him and he would do his best to never let them down.

"I'm just delighted to represent the people of Hyndburn. If I'm offered a job in the Government it will be a bonus," he added.

Liberal Democrat candidate Les Jones, who came third, said their 4,141 votes boded well for Liberal Democrats in Hyndburn in future years.

Referendum Party candidate Philip Congdon, and Independent Anti-corruption in Government/ TGWU candidate James Brown both lost their deposits.

Mr Congdon said: "In no way am I disappointed.

"Had it not been for the Referendum Party and the pressure we have applied I don't think the European issue would ever have been discussed.

"We have got the issue we consider most important, our sovereignty, discussed at the very top. It's broken the Conservative Party and it's not going to be an easy ride for Labour."

Mr Brown said: "I have raised the profile of the campaign against corruption and the campaign will continue."

The turnout was 72.6 per cent.

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