JO Platt says she is honoured to be the first female MP in Leigh's history and is now setting her sights on trying to be the best.

The single mum-of-two from Tyldesley secured 56 per cent of the votes in last week's General Election to ensure the Leigh constituency remained under Labour’s control.

The now former Wigan Council cabinet member is determined to repay residents for showing their faith in her by fulfilling her pre-election promises and giving them a brighter future.

Ms Platt, who is celebrating her 44th birthday today, said: "It was a real honour to be elected as the first female MP for Leigh last Thursday night.

"It is an amazing place to live and the people here are incredible.

"Labour’s manifesto was a blueprint for investment and regeneration in Leigh.

"While nationally we narrowly missed out on the chance to implement it, I will fight hard for all of Leigh to ensure that residents' voices are heard and their ambitions are achieved.

"Just like the people of Leigh, I am strong and ambitious and I am looking forward to getting the job done in the constituency."

Cllr Platt had served as a councillor since 2012.

She succeeds new Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as Leigh's representative in Parliament, who has said he cannot 'think of anyone better qualified to pick up the baton'.

Ms Platt, who gained 26,347 votes – 9,554 more than runner-up Cllr James Grundy, the Conservative candidate – said: "To be elected with such a clear majority sends a powerful message to the Conservative government which has turned its backs on places like Leigh.

"Throughout the campaign we had thousands of conversations with people from all over the constituency and we have listened to what they had to say.

"We need to ensure that our schools are allowed to continue to provide an excellent standard of education for our children by protecting their budgets, preventing inflated class sizes and defending teachers' jobs, all of which are at risk under current government plans.

"I am committed to addressing the concerns raised about the lack of opportunities for our young people to get meaningful apprenticeships and further education.

"By attracting inward investment we will stimulate Leigh's economy and give people the chance to gain skills and jobs that will encourage businesses to invest in people, and move away from oppressive zero-hour contracts.

"We will celebrate our heritage positively by utilising brownfield sites and regenerating them for 21st century housing and business."

She has been in London this week receiving an induction at Westminster.

Ms Platt said in her victory speech at Leigh Sports Village on election night: "The people of Leigh have spoken.

"They are shocked about homelessness in the town.

"They are rightly concerned for our children's education and drastic cuts to our schools, pensions and social care.

"People are also worried about cuts to the NHS and police.

"I will use my voice in Parliament to address these concerns for the whole of the constituency.

"It is about bringing communities and businesses together, creating opportunities for everyone, no matter what their background.”

She heaped praise on her predecessor, who represented Leigh in Westminster for 16 years.

"I would like to thank our retiring MP and new Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham," Ms Platt said.

"The work he has done for the people of Leigh and the whole of the country will never be forgotten."

Cllr Grundy gained 16,793 votes.

The other candidates – UKIP’s Mark Bradley and Liberal Democrats' Richard Kilpatrick – received 2,783 and 951 votes respectively.