Labour romped to an expected victory in the Great Horton ward by-election tonight.

Labour candidate Abdul Jabar (above), 43, triumphed convincingly.

Mr Jabar won 1,993 votes, well clear of Mehrban Hussain (Conservative) who polled 705 votes in second place.

In third place was Mary Slingsby (Lib Dem) with 337 votes, Jason Smith (UKIP) polled 294 votes in fourth, and bringing up the rear was Celia Hickson (Green), with 73 votes.

A delighted Mr Jabar said after the result: “Absolutely fantastic. I’m pleased to have got such an overwhelming majority. The ward has shown what they think is the best party for them. I’ll work tirelessly for them on issues including education, youth and the elderly.”

The by-election was called in the Labour stronghold after former councillor, the Rev Paul Flowers, a Methodist Minister, stepped down to concentrate on his increasing responsibilities as chairman of the Co-operative Banking Group.