LABOUR has emerged victorious in Leeds North West.

The party's Alex Sobel has defeated Liberal Democrat Greg Mulholland, who had held the seat - which includes Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Bramhope - for 12 years by taking 20,416 votes to secure a 4,224 majority.

The seat, which includes the student heartland of Headingley, had seen the biggest rise in the number of newly registered voters of the whole campaign - a 16 per cent increase taking the total of eligible voters to 68,152.

Mr Sobel's success builds on the gains he made for Labour in 2015 when he cut Mr Mulholland's majority to 2,907, and represents a 7.9 per cent swing to Labour.

The full results were Alex Sobel, Labour - 20,416 votes; Greg Mulholland, Liberal Democrats - 16,192; Alan Lamb, Conservative - 9,097; Martin Hemingway, Green - 582.

Tweeting shortly after the declaration, Mr Sobel said: "Massive thanks to all the people of Leeds North West. I won’t let you down."

He also credited the high turnout of young people for helping him to victory, and for exploding the 'myth' that the young are politically apathetic.

Mr Mulholland, meanwhile, posted: "Night night all, it's been an honour and privilege."

Many were quick to express their delight at the Labour win online.

Writing on the Otley - Our Town Facebook page, Amy Wilson said: "Wonderful, wonderful news.

"Congratulations to the local Labour party on a positive local campaign."

Ruth Blackwell said: "Congratulations. A great local team, hard work and a positive campaign."

Vice Chair of Labour's Leeds North West constituency party, Otley resident Nigel Gill, said: "This is an amazing result for Labour, with Alex securing a nearly eight per cent swing.

"Alex was an excellent candidate who ran a great campaign and we had a brilliant team out,especially from the younger people, who worked extremely hard.

"I think the youth vote was critical - we registered thousands of new voters, not just students, who were clearly very motivated."

Otley and Yeadon Labour Party member Carl Morris told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer: "This is such a fantastic result for the whole of Leeds North West, from Otley through to Headingley.

"Alex has made it clear through the election that he wants to do two very important things - to work tirelessly as a constituency MP, campaigning on local issues, but also to represent all of our interests in Parliament and to play a key role in important national issues.

"I also know that he’ll bring passion, good humour and an open honesty to everything he does."

Others expressed their appreciation for Mr Mulholland's service - and sadness at his defeat.

Posting online, Jeannie Aked said: "Absolutely gutted that we've lost Greg, a man of great integrity.

"Massive boots to be filled."

Speaking on Friday morning, Otley Town Council leader Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "As Chair of the Liberal Democrat Group on the town council I would like to record our deep appreciation to Greg for all the advice, support and collaboration we have enjoyed over many years.

"He has been a mentor to many of us as well as a friend and great ally in Parliament.

"His track record of service to Otley and the Leeds North West constituency has been exemplary - many thousands of people and causes have been helped by Greg in his twelve years.

"He has truly been a champion for our community and leaves very big shoes to fill.

"I hope he will continue in his role as an Otley Ambassador in whatever direction he chooses to explore next in his career.

"On a personal level, having worked to support Greg in three General Elections and as near neighbours we have formed a valued family friendship.

"Our Liberal Democrat family also shares Greg's obvious disappointment at his defeat, but rest assured we will regroup and continue to build on his fantastic foundation of support for our community."

Councillor Ray Smith (Lab, Danefield) shared those sentiments, while congratulating Mr Sobel on an 'excellent' campaign.

He said: "Greg Mulholland has been a wonderful servant to the people of this area and has worked tirelessly to promote the interests of his constituents of all political persuasions or none.

"Almost everyone will know someone who has been helped by Greg!

"There is no doubt the result was heavily influenced by the 13,000 new voting registrations in Headingley.

"However Leeds NW is only on loan and, as General Douglas J McCarthur famously commented, 'we will return!'"

Mr Sobel’s campaign was boosted by a visit from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was greeted by thousands of supporters at a rally in Hyde Park, Leeds.