Jim McMahon says he feels his “track record as council leader” helped him increase Labour’s share of the vote, as he was elected in tonight’s Oldham West and Royton by-election.

McMahon received 17,322 votes – up 7 points to 62%. UKIP, who had been expected to mount a serious challenge, won just 22% of the vote in a distant second place.

After winning, McMahon said:

“I am delighted to have been elected tonight. Michael Meacher was a close friend of mine and he was admired by people across the country as someone who worked tirelessly for the causes he believed in. I will do my best to live up to those high standards.

My sole focus has always been on what is best for Oldham, I want to make our town a better place for my sons to grow up in and make it somewhere they can be proud of, my priority will always be Oldham.

We also need to remember what is currently at stake under this Tory government. While everyone is looking the other way they are quietly pushing through cuts that will change the face of towns like Oldham.

The sooner we kick the Tories out and get a Labour government back in the better for all of us. The hard work starts now.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reacted to the news, saying:

“I am delighted that Labour has not only won the Oldham West and Royton by-election – but increased our share of the vote since the general election in May.

“Jim McMahon will make an excellent MP and a worthy successor to Michael Meacher, and I am looking forward to welcoming him to Labour’s team at Westminster.

“Jim ran a great campaign, focusing on bringing jobs to Oldham and giving every child the best opportunities.

“By-elections can be difficult for the party holding the seat, and turnouts are often low. But to increase our share of the vote since the General Election is a vote of confidence in our party.

“It’s a clear demonstration that Labour is the party working people trust.

“Our determination to oppose Tory austerity policies, and our successes in pushing them back on tax credit and police cuts show that Labour is getting results for working people.

“With the Tories going nowhere in Oldham, UKIP has benefited from a protest vote. But this first electoral test in the new parliament has made clear Labour is the real alternative for Britain.”

You can see the full distribution of votes here:

Labour – 17,322

UKIP – 6,487

Conservative – 2,596

Liberal Democrat – 1,024

Green – 249

Monster Raving Loony – 141