Shipley's former MP, Chris Leslie, is today considering whether he can stay in politics after losing the marginal seat at last week's election.

At just 24, Mr Leslie became the UK's youngest MP when he deposed Tory stalwart Sir Marcus Fox in 1997 and won the seat for Labour.

He was seen as one of Labour's brightest rising stars, taking on a Junior Minister role in the Department for Constitutional Affairs. But Thursday's defeat saw him lose the constituency to the Conservatives' Philip Davies and with it his ministerial position.

Mr Leslie told the T&A today: "I will not necessarily stay in politics although of course I would like to. I will just have to wait and see what happens over the next few weeks."

He has not heard from Tony Blair since the election but said he is expecting a call.

"He is obviously very busy at the moment and I have got to give him time to respond," he said. "I have been called by Lord Falconer and he has offered lots of support and encouragement."

But he added that the national result - which saw Labour's majority slashed - had undermined Tony Blair's position. "It really is a miracle Tony Blair survived as long as he has given all the criticism," he said.

Mr Leslie said there were no plans as yet for him being put forward for another constituency.

After leaving the count on Friday morning the disappointed Mr Leslie went home to bed.

"The last thought that ran through my head before sleep was one of disappointment," he said. "We came so close to winning."

He added: "There is nothing I would have done differently - we ran a very good campaign and did everything we could."

Mr Leslie said Shipley was still a winnable seat for Labour.

"I am very confident we can win it back," he said. "It really was nail-biting stuff, it could have gone either way."

Mr Leslie has been replaced by former Solicitor General Harriet Harman in the Department for Constitutional Affairs. And Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe has kept his ministerial job in Tony Blair's Government reshuffle.

Mr Sutcliffe remains at the Department for Productivity, Industry and Energy, which replaces the Department of Trade and Industry. He will retain responsibility for post offices, consumer affairs and employment relations.

Meanwhile, new Shipley MP Philip Davies has been welcomed to Parliament by Tory leader Michael Howard. The pair shook hands as the new Tory intake arrived at the Palace of Westminster. Mr Howard said the 64 new MPs would "lay the foundations" for the next Tory Government.