ELECTION 2015: Healey: This is a vote of confidence in Labour

WINNER John Healey said his victory in Wentworth & Dearne was a vote of confidence in Labour.

Mr Healey, who has reoresented the area since 1997, polled 24,571 votes with UKIP's Mike Hookem second on 10,733.

He described the result - dip of less than 100 in his 13,838 majority, as a vote of confidence in Labour.

He added: "I'm so proud to serve the people of our constituency and to be re-elected by them.

"I think any of us coming to a count like this can't fail to be reminded what a huge honour and responsibility it is to be an elected representative."