Ever since its creation in 1983, Heywood and Middleton has had 36 years of uninterrupted Labour rule. In an interview with MM, we discussed all sorts of issues with the Conservative candidate Chris Clarkson on topics ranging from representation, Brexit, the police, unemployment and the future of the NHS.

Tony Lloyd held Labour’s seat in Rochdale whilst incumbent MP and ex-Labour candidate Simon Danczuk only managed to secure 883 votes.

John Bickley fell short of stealing the formerly-safe Labour seat meaning The UK Independence Party (Ukip) narrowly missed a double upset – as Tory defector Douglas Carswell stormed to victory in Clacton.

Ms McInnes used a speech to the Labour Party Conference in Manchester to blame the Government’s reforms to the health service for a rise in waiting times for seeing GPs.