LABOUR have held onto the safe seat of Bolton North East. 

David Crausby increased his majority polling 18,541 votes  

The Conservatives’ James Daly came second with 14,164 votes beating UKIP’s Harry Lamb into third with 8,117 votes.

Liberal Democrat Stephen Rock and Green Party candidate Laura Diggle earned just over 1,000 votes, losing their deposits.

Mr Crausby said he hoped people liked his honest approach, which sees him speak his mind and not always toe the party line. 

Speaking before the scale of Labour's disappointing night became clear, he appeared to back Leigh MP Mr Burnham to succeed Ed Miliband.

He said: "I hope that I have been reelected because the people of Bolton have some trust in me.

"They believe that I'm a politician who tells it the way it is and that is what I try to do.

"I don't mind if in some instances that is against some people close to me.

"The people of Bolton respect that and want someone who will represent them.

"I'm Bolton's man in Westminster, not Westminster's man in Bolton."

The Conservatives seem set to gain an overall majority in the House of Commons and Mr Crausby suggested Andy Burnham could replace Ed Miliband, if the Labour leader quits.

Mr Crausby added: "I think Ed Miliband has had an absolutely first class campaign.

"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.

"But don't write Ed Miliband off yet."