"As a party we have lost a seat that resembles the heart and soul of our movement."

Those are the words of Leigh's outgoing Labour MP Jo Platt, who lost her position after a shock general election defeat on Thursday to the Conservatives' James Grundy.

Labour had held the seat since 1922 and it is now the first time the Tories will represent the town in the House of Commons after Lowton East councillor Mr Grundy won by 1,965 votes.

In a post on social media, Ms Platt said "It has been the honour of my life to serve the people of this constituency as their member of Parliament and would like to congratulate James on his election and wish him the greatest of luck.

"I hope that he shares the deep and genuine commitment that I had for our towns.

"His success will be our success and I wish him the very best in his new role.

"Yesterday was a dark day for Leigh and for the Labour Party.

"My thoughts are with all those that desperately needed an end to this Government.

"The people who have contacted my surgery over the last two years who have struggled to make ends meet.

"To the teachers, the nurses and all public servants that have dealt with the effects of austerity, I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

"The shift has been years in the making.

"No one individual is to blame but as a party we must take a long hard look at who we in Labour stand for, who we represent and why the Labour Party was formed.

"This is undoubtedly the greatest challenge our party has faced but one we must overcome to regain the trust and support of those that I got into politics to serve."

READ > Conservative councillor becomes Leigh MP in historic general election victory

Ms Platt, who was a Wigan Council cabinet member and represented Astley and Mosley Common before she beat Mr Grundy in the 2017 general election with a 9,554 majority, has praised her supporters.

She said: "I am so proud to live with my children in Leigh. It’s my home and I care deeply for its future.

"To everyone in Leigh, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

"For those who voted for me I say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for placing your trust in me.

"To all those that couldn’t vote Labour in this election, I will continue to fight to restore your faith in the party that I love."