Bury North MP David Nuttall admitted he was relieved after retaining his seat.
Nuttall, who secured a majority of just 325 from Labour’s James Frith, said he believed the win was down to his record as MP.
He said: “It was a marginal seat when came here 11 years ago and it’s even more of a marginal seat now but a win is a win in our first past the post system.
“People have liked the fact that I’ve been a member of parliament who stands up for what he believes in and I won’t change. I’m not afraid to stick my head above the parapet. I will be pushing for a European referendum.
“There’s still hundreds of votes to come in but the early signs are positive and hopefully we can have another five years of Conservative government. I was surprised by the exit poll.
“We need to live within our means. Not to improve the numbers on our balance sheet but to pay back the dead so that future generations don’t have to.
“I’m going to keep pressing for those things that people are really concerned about, pot holes in roads, the health service, poor broadband coverages in areas. There is no one big issue, but things that matter to everyone.”
His Labour rival Mr Frith said he did not think he could have done any more, describing his campaign as ‘bloody good’.
He said: “You only have to look at me to see that I couldn’t have done more, the pride I have in my heart, we’ve taken a very honest and distinct approach and what I think politics should be about.
“We are adding so many Labour votes to Bury North and I take great heart in that.
“I leave with a heavy heart and I am gutted, but I am extremely proud of Bury North and the people who have worked and voted for me today.
“It’s tough to take but if I had been spanked then it would be harder to take but I don’t draw a what if mentality at all.”
