A landslide with a record majority for Simon Danczuk

Simon Danczuk MP

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Simon Danczuk retained his seat with the largest majority ever achieved in Rochdale. Whilst there was never any doubt that Mr Danczuk would retain his seat with an increased majority, the scale of the win endorses Mr Danczuk's work on behalf of the residents of Rochdale in a way that even his most optimistic supporters did not dare envisage.

In his acceptance speech, Rochdale MP Mr Danczuk said that what inspires him is the determination of ordinary men and women who give up their own time to campaign for a fairer country. He said: "We all know that trust in politics is in short supply these days. People have lost faith in the idea that politics can change their lives. They think that politicians are too remote but I hope that I have shown that here in Rochdale we can do things differently. I have been a visible presence around the town, working hard and helping thousands of people. I hope to continue that work over the next five years."

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Mr Danczuk said: "I’m pleased that the people of Rochdale have put their faith in me. I’ve worked hard over the last five years and what this result shows is that the people want me to continue working hard over the next five years. So that’s the job of work that’s ahead of me.

"It’s very humbling to receive this amount of support. It does involve hard work, that’s what I think people are voting for. They also want me to speak up and speak out on behalf of the people of Rochdale, put my head above the parapet which is something I’ve done over the last five years and I think it’s right and proper to continue to do.

"But what they also want is for the MP, me, to work with the council and work with other local agencies and indeed national government to get the best deal for Rochdale. We need more and better jobs in the town, we need to improve manufacturing, we need to support businesses more strongly to develop in this town and we need to improve the town centre. Those are some of the priorities that I think the people of Rochdale want me to take forward."

Mr Danczuk added that people have seen his track record over the last five years and the result "suggests that they’re content" with the work he is doing, he was though keen to say that in politics you can’t relax: "It’s not right that you relax, you’ve got to keep working hard and that is the message that I take from tonight", he said.

"I would say thank you very much for putting your faith in me. I will serve you as ably and as strongly as I possibly can."

Simon Danczuk with is wife Karen and supporters after the result was announced

Mr Danczuk's wife Karen said she is "absolutely over the moon. Simon deserved it on every level."

She was critical of her "trolls" on Twitter who have suggested her frequent 'selfies' were costing her husband votes saying: "Twitter trolls using selfies of me have not cost us votes because we've won and gone up in the amount of votes. Trolls hide behind fake profiles and they are nothing but bullies."

She also spoke of her admiration of Mr Danczuk adding: "Simon's been door-to-door, meeting residents who have been so supportive of him. I am so proud of how much he has achieved.

"I was starting to feel emotional when they were announcing the results, to see so many people voting for him proves how much he's done to earn those votes."

Rochdale Labour Council leader, Richard Farnell, who early last night, before the count had even begun, was the first to speculate whether Mr Danczuk would beat the record majority in Rochdale achieved by Jack McCann in 1966 of 11,500, was delighted he did so saying: "Biggest majority in the history of the seat."

Mr Danczuk's right hand man, Matt Baker, agreed saying: "Amazing result. A vindication of Simon's policies and hard work on behalf of the people of Rochdale."


Votes

• Labour Simon Danczuk 20,961
• UKIP Mohammed Masud 8,519
• Conservative Azi Ahmed 7,742
• Liberal Democrat Andy Kelly 4,667
• Rochdale First Farooq Ahmed 1,535
• Green Mark Hollinrake 1,382
• National Front Kevin Alastair Bryan 433
• Islam Zinda Baad Mohammed Salim 191

Turnout - 59.12%