VICTORIOUS Bolton MP David Crausby has said Ed Miliband is right to step down as Labour leader.

After being re-elected in Bolton North East with an increased majority on Friday morning, Mr Crausby also appeared to endorse a possible leadership bid from Leigh MP Andy Burnham.

Mr Miliband stepped down as Labour leader after the Conservatives defied polls to secure an overall majority in the House of Commons.

Mr Crausby said: “It is a matter of public record that I did not support him in the first place.

“He had an excellent campaign but he has done the right ting.

“We need to sit down and think of a strategy and recognise that we did not get the support of the British people.

“We were surprised at the outcome but the British people did not want us back in government.”

After the count, when asked of shadow health secretary Mr Burnham’s leadership credentials, Mr Crausby added: “"There is always somebody that wants the job.

"Andy Burnham was a candidate last time round and he is five years older now with five years more experience.”