LABOUR’S James Frith said lives are at stake as a result of seven years of Conservative government cuts, and vowed to serve all Bury North constituents after being elected MP for the area.

The 40-year-old from Ramsbottom said he wants to be judged by his record of what he achieves in Parliament, and wants to bring humanity back to politics.

Mr Frith said: “I have spent time in this campaign promising to be a better voice for Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington, our families, our communities, our schools, our businesses and our brilliant market towns.

“I love this town and I won’t let you down.

“There is a real appetite for a change, for a Member of Parliament who is visible, energetic, and committed to getting things done.

“I want to be judged by that first and last.

“I think there is a lot of cynicism about politics, but my view has always been that it isn’t about politicians but about restoring faith in politics.

“I want people to have the ability to see that politics is the best force for change, and the role of an MP is to be that agent for change.”

He said that, nationally, the Labour Party had run a positive, alternative campaign, and said Prime Minister Theresa May’s calling of a snap general election was more about controlling her own Conservative Party than what is good for the country.

“Across Bury, as with elsewhere in the country, people are beginning to see the consequences of seven years of austerity, and people are saying enough is enough,” he added.

“There are consequences of austerity, there are consequences which can be seen in results like here tonight and elsewhere across the country.

“It is simply a reduction of costs when there are human lives at stake.

“The economy is about humanity as well as balancing the books.

“And I look forward to being a Member of Parliament serving Bury North to the best of my abilities.

“Whether you voted for me or not, I am your MP and I will not let you down.

“Thank you very much.”

Mr Frith narrowly lost the seat to Mr Nuttall in the 2015 general election by 378 votes, and had this time described his campaign as “unfinished business”.

This time around he was a clear winner, with 25,683 votes — 4,375 more than Mr Nuttall who received 21,308.

“Two years is not long enough to forget, but it has been long enough to recover and learn from our mistakes,” he added.

He thanked Mr Nuttall for serving as MP in the constituency for seven years and for an “enjoyable” campaign.

Speaking directly to Mr Nuttall, Mr Frith added: “You were graceful in victory last time, as I hope to be graceful in victory this time.”

Mr Nuttall, aged 55, congratulated Mr Frith, and remained philosophical about the outcome.

He said: “I got more votes tonight than previous times that I have stood as candidate, so it is rather ironic that tonight I have actually lost, but that happens sometimes in politics, you have to be prepared for all results.”