Labour’s Andrew Western was sworn in as an MP in the Commons following his victory in the Stretford and Urmston by-election.

He entered the chamber before Home Office questions flanked by fellow Labour MPs Lucy Powell and Andrew Gwynne. He opted to affirm.

After signing the register, he was welcomed to the House by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

Bitterly cold conditions on polling day and the expectation of an easy Labour hold contributed to turnout of just 25.8%.

Mr Western, who secured a majority of 9,906, said the result sent a “strong message” to Rishi Sunak’s Government.

The contest was called in response to former Labour frontbencher Kate Green stepping down to become Greater Manchester deputy mayor.

Mr Western secured 69.65% of the votes, up 9.34% on the snap general election three years ago, and with a 10.5% swing from Conservatives to Labour.