FORMER MP Ivan Lewis has thanked the people of Bury South for their support during the 22 years he has served the constituency.

He made a heartfelt statement, thanking his constituents, family members and staff past and present after losing his seat to the Conservatives in the general election.

Independent Mr Lewis, formerly Labour, said it had been "an honour" and "a privilege" to serve Bury South since his landslide victory in 1997.

He posted on Facebook: "I want to thank the people of Bury South for giving me the tremendous privilege of serving them for the past 22 years. There is no greater honour than representing your hometown in parliament. I want to thank my amazing sons, Ben and Harry for their love and support.

"I wish Christian Wakeford all the best for the future.

"I will continue to fight for social justice where everyone gets the chance to fulfil their potential irrespective of their background or postcode. "Where people who work hard are respected and fairly rewarded. In a society where we treat each other with civility whatever our differences, and recognise our responsibility to fellow citizens who through sickness or disability require support and deserve dignity.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Formerly a member of the Labour Party, Mr Lewis has held various ministerial and shadow cabinet positions throughout his career.

However he was suspended from Labour in November 2017 following allegations of sexual harassment, and he resigned from the party in December 2018, citing concerns around anti-Semitism and Brexit.

Mr Lewis made a shock admission of defeat just one week before voters went to the polls, urging them to elect Tory candidate Christian Wakeford.

The Conservatives won both of Bury's parliamentary seats, with Mr Wakeford elected in Bury South and James Daly taking the Bury North seat from James Frith.

Following the election Mr Lewis has thanked his staff for "going the extra mile" to help some of the most vulnerable people in Bury South.

In another Facebook post, he wrote: "I want to pay tribute to my wonderful staff team who have done such a fantastic job for me and the people of Bury South. Debbie, Tony, Sharon, Amber and Derek. Also, to former staff members for their tremendous contribution.

"They have always gone the extra mile, especially for the most vulnerable people in our community. I’m so proud of the fact we’ve helped thousands of people with a variety of personal problems. Thank you."