LABOUR maintained power with General Election wins in all four seats contested locally.

And this week, Andy Burnham, Leigh's fifth Labour MP, was sworn in as the House of Commons newcomer, replacing the constituency's retiring Laurence Cunliffe, who had represented Leigh since 1979.

Mr Burnham joins the local quartet of Terry Lewis (Worsley), pensions minister Ian McCartney (Makerfield) and Helen Jones (Warrington North).

And 31-year-old Mr Burnham, who grew up in Culcheth and played cricket and soccer locally, immediately set his sights on Number 10 -- Market Street, Leigh.

The former government advisor to Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, attracted 22,783 votes in a poll to which 49.9 per cent of the electorate (35,432) responded.

Conservative Andrew Oxley was runner-up with 6,421, Liberal Democrat Ray Atkins next with 4,524, ahead of Billy Kelly (Socialist Labour Party) 820 and Chris Best (UKIP) 750.

And Mr Burnham immediately promised to repay the faith of shown in him by his supporters and set about attracting investment to the Leigh area.

He said a National Lottery funding boost with funds set aside for investment in the borough -- and particularly Leigh -- could be on the way.

After polishing the front door of his advice centre, shortly due to open at number 10 Market Street, Leigh, where it is being converted from his campaign office, he said: "I will work with my heart and soul for Leigh. I intend to get down to work straight away."

Culcheth area MP Helen Jones, re-elected for a second term, was overwhelmed by her victory. She received 24,026 votes, more than 13,000 ahead of Tory rival James Usher, though short of her 1997 majority of 19,527.

She said she was extremely pleased with the result and delighted with her majority -- "Particularly because in Warrington North there was no swing to the Conservatives and a slight swing to Labour.

"I am extremely pleased with the majority which represents an endorsement of our policies, particularly our investment in public services.

"It is a resounding defeat for the Tories and a rejection of their policies. The people of Warrington North had a choice and they clearly chose investment in public services over selfish individualism."

In one of the lowest election turnouts since the First World War, Labour minister Ian McCartney retained the Makerfield seat he has held for 14 years.

With turnout down by 16 per cent from 1997, the new minister for pensions was returned with a 17,750 majority.

Conservative candidate Jane Brooks, who secured 6,129 votes, was satisfied with her result and delighted audiences with a rendition of Frank Sinatra's signature tune, My Way.

Afterwards she said: "People will realise what a big mistake they have made voting for Labour. It is important that the north west is not ignored because it is regarded by the Labour government as a safe-seat region."

Liberal Democrat candidate David Crowther received 3,990 votes, and Socialist Alliance candidate Malcolm Jones got 858.

Worsley Labour MP Terry Lewis successfully defended the seat he has made his own since 1983.

Mr Lewis gathered 20,193 votes -- 51 per cent of the electorate but 5.1 per cent down on his 1997 support. Runner-up with 8,406 was Conservative Tobias Ellwood.

But third-placed Robert Bleakley (Liberal Democrat) candidate was in high spirits.

He said: "This is my third general election but I've got plenty of time left and it's all good experience.

"I'm from Tyldesley and proud of my roots -- I was proud to represent the area. As a local man, I understand the needs of the locals area. I'll still be living here when all the other candidates have left."

His lasting memory of the election was from a teenager who told the Liberal candidate she had cut out his picture from an election leaflet and now had it stuck on her bedroom wall besides Robbie Williams and Ronan Keating! LABOUR'S John O'Brien had two reasons to smile last Thursday - he is the new Hope Carr ward councillor on Wigan Council after the by-election, and had an amusing campaign tale to tell.

Mr O'Brien polled 2,569 votes ahead of Peter Hough (Lib Dem) 1,887, James Grundy (Conservative) 1,002 and Keith Fry (Socialist Alliance) 82.

He joins Labour colleagues Coun Kevin Anderson -- recently appointed Best Value Panel member with portfolio -- and Coun Mrs Lynne Liptrot, in Hope Carr.

Coun Anderson said: "John is going to be good value for Hope Carr and Wigan Council."

Mr O'Brien said: "I will not promise to do anything I cannot achieve but will work to reduce people's perception of fear from the youth problems in the area. I fully support the police, housing authority and all associations -- working together with results."

But he had a slight hiccup in his campaign when he called at a Leigh house and was greeted by a man with a parrot on his shoulder.

"Can I count on your support in the election," queried John, somewhat taken aback when the parrot answered "**** off".

Undeterred, Mr O'Brien asked again. This time the parrot's owner answered simply: "You heard the parrot".

Defeated Liberal Democrat candidate Peter Hough said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported me. It was a terrific personal vote and I am sorry I will not be fighting for the residents on Wigan Council."

"This high water mark in my vote was the result of the dedication and hard work of the team of volunteers and party workers who selflessly gave their time and energy in the fight to give Hope Carr some proper representation."

Conservative candidate James Grundy was not disheartened by the result. He said: "We may have been beaten this time but James Grundy will be back." Percentage turnout 53.4 per cent. Votes 35,432.