IT was an emotional election for long-serving MP Robert Atkins when he sensationally lost his South Ribble seat last Thursday (May 1).

The Conservative MP and former government minister bowed out after serving South Ribble for 14 years. Labour's David Borrow stormed home with more than 25,000 votes - a majority of 5,084 over Atkins. Borrow had stepped in for candidate Denis Golden who died of cancer earlier this year.

Lib Dem candidate Tim Farron came in third with 5,879.

Audrey Wise, Preston's MP for ten years, increased her massive majority to 19,000 to comfortably retain her seat. Almost 30,000 voters opted for Mrs Wise, with Conservative Paul Gray coming in second with just over 10,500 votes. Lib Dem Bill Chadwick gained just over 7,000 votes.

Mrs Wise said: "It was extremely satisfying to gain such a majority, especially with the boundary changes. I was confident of being re-elected but you can't take the voters for granted. I didn't forecast such a huge increase.

"I'll just carry on with my job but look forward to working under a new Labour government."

Tory Nigel Evans kept his Ribble Valley seat with a majority of more than 6,500, over Liberal Democrat candidate Michael Carr.

Mr Evans is now one of just two Tory MPs left in Lancashire. Conservative Michael Jack managed to hold onto his Fylde seat with a reduced majority.

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