Hazel Gloster just failed to hold off the challenge of the so-called Independents in Shaw, losing in the face of an aggressive campaign that later saw her opponents row back on a series of promises.

Hazel said: “I have put my heart and soul into representing the town where I live. I am incredibly grateful to the 961 voters who supported me this time, and the thousands of people who have supported me over the years, and who I have worked to help. It has been an honour, and I hope one day to represent you again.  “I am so sad to have lost by so few votes, and then to have seen my opponent immediately break the promise that they made to get elected – voting a failing Labour administration back into power.”

The results also meant that across the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency, the Liberal Democrats came second, just 200 votes behind Labour – a clear indication of their vulnerability for the forthcoming general election. The Conservatives trailed in fifth, behind the ‘Oldham Group’ and other independents.