OTLEY and Yeadon's new Labour MP is promising to be a 'strong local voice' for Leeds North West.

Alex Sobel, boosted by the national surge in the youth vote, defeated long-standing Liberal Democrat Greg Mulholland in last week's election.

The win, on the back of a nearly eight per cent swing to Labour, saw Mr Sobel receive 20,416 votes compared to Mr Mulholland's 16,192.

It also represented a local Parliamentary return for the party, which held the seat before Mr Mulholland took it in 2005, following a 12 year absence.

Mr Sobel, who secured a majority of 4,224, said: "It’s a fantastic honour to be chosen as the MP for this great constituency with all its rich variety, from the historic towns of Otley and Yeadon to the students in Headingley, the suburbs of Weetwood, Adel and Bramhope, and the diverse communities in Hyde Park.

"I will strive to represent the needs of all our communities, old and young, and stand up for our area both here and in Parliament."

Labour saw its vote increase by 14 per cent overall, with rises across the constituency - to the delight of local activists.

Otley-based Labour member Carl Morris said: "Alex has also been leading the city council’s work on climate change right across the Leeds area, and represented us at the Paris Climate talks.

"He will use his experience to help local people in the constituency and on the national stage.

"He’ll speak up as our MP and help shape legislation in Parliament on our behalf.

"I’ve known Alex for a number of years - he’s funny, passionate, energetic, razor-sharp and so unbelievably hardworking.

"He loves Otley and he’s never lost the links he made when he stood here in the 2015 general election.

"To people who don’t know him I’d say come and meet him, see for yourselves. I think you’ll be impressed."

Vice Chair of Labour's Leeds North West constituency party, Nigel Gill, said: "This is an amazing result for Labour.

"Alex was an excellent candidate who ran a great campaign and we had a brilliant team out who worked extremely hard.

"The youth vote was critical - we registered thousands of new voters and most were younger people, not just students, who were clearly very motivated."

Former Otley councillor John Eveleigh added: "This was an outstanding result.

"Otley and Yeadon Labour Party are proud of the part we played in this stunning victory."

Mr Sobel, meanwhile, paid tribute to his predecessor: "Greg was a hardworking and popular MP, especially in the ward of Otley and Yeadon where he lives.

"I know it was a hard choice for some voters - we spoke to a lot of people on the doorstep who said they thought Greg was a good local MP but they were going to vote Labour because they felt Labour policies would make a real difference to the national issues affecting their lives.

"I want to thank everyone in Otley and Yeadon who voted for me but also send this message to those who did not: I‘ll work to make that difference for you nationally, but also promise to be as accessible and active an MP in this area as my predecessor."

Mr Mulholland hit out at Prime Minister Theresa May in the aftermath of his defeat, accusing her of displaying 'appalling judgement' by calling the election.

His daughters Isabel, Madeleine and Ava agreed - and left a note, which Mr Mulholland has shared on Twitter, saying they don't want him to be sad and that it's 'all Theresa May's fault'.

Otley Town Council leader Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) said: "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."