POLITICIANS from different political parties in Bolton rejoiced as Bolton and Britain voted for the country to leave the European Union.

The decisive Bolton result brought a hugely satisfying end to an intense period of campaigning for certain political figures in the borough, who have lived and breathed Brexit for the past few months.

There have been few more passionate Leave campaigners in the town than Bolton West MP Chris Green.

After his election last May, Mr Green said he was keen to see Prime Minister David Cameron achieve a successful renegotiation of the country’s relationship with the EU.

But after being unimpressed with what the Prime Minister returned with — Mr Green turned his attention to the fight for independence.

After Bolton’s 58 per cent Leave vote was confirmed, he said: “I was really pleased to see such a strong majority in Bolton to leave today.

“I think people in Bolton have a really strong, independent spirit and we are not people who are narrow-minded, there have been a lot of negative connotations from the Remain side throughout this campaign but results like this dispel that.

“We are an outward looking people, we look to the world and that is where our values lie.”

He was joined in celebration by the leader of UKIP in Bolton, Cllr Sean Hornby who said he felt Bolton’s choice was “never in doubt”.

He said: “We have been doing table days, surgeries, social media campaigns and we have listened to people’s comments and they have been saying we want out.

“That is what they have now said with a 30,000 majority — which is a really good result for Bolton.”

Cllr Hornby said the result puts pressure on the pro-remain ruling Labour group, adding: “ They are going to have to go and rethink, they are obviously out of touch with the people of Bolton, the people of Bolton have given a clear indication of what they want and they are going to have to start listening.”

This was an idea strongly rebuffed by senior Labour Cllr Nick Peel who said: "I think it is wrong for people to look at this on political party lines.

"There are thousands of Labour voters who will have gone for leave and they are not suddenly UKIP supporters — but it is our job to listen to them and respond to them.

EU Referendum: All the reaction to the UK's decision to leave the EU

He added: ”Our work as councillors will continue because we have been elected for all the residents of Bolton and we will face the future together, as a town and as a family."