BURNLEY’S first Conservative MP since 1910 has promised to ‘bang the drum’ for towns, business and the NHS while learning about football at Turf Moor.

Haslingden-born banker Antony Higginbotham was elected in the Tory tide that swept the North of England on Thursday.

Yesterday, he promised to prove voters had made the right decision.

Mr Higginbotham said: “I am so excited and humbled. To be Burnley’s first Conservative MP for 109 years is a big responsibility. I have to show them why that was the right choice.

“The first thing I shall do is vote for the government’s EU withdrawal Bill on Friday to honour the consistency's big vote for Brexit in 2016.

“The next thing is to ensure the investment, new doctors, nurses and GPs promised by the government comes to Burnley General Hospital and the town.

“The second issue during the campaign after Brexit was the NHS. I shall be going along the Commons' corridor to see Health Secretary Matt Hancock to ensure Burnley and Padiham have the GPs needed so people do not have to wait weeks for an appointment and the East Lancashire Hospitals’ Trust gets the investment it deserves.

“I've seen how much the town centre has improved but also the need for better infrastructure outside it.

“I shall be banging the drum for business in Burnley in terms of the government grants and investment it, and particular its thriving engineering sector, needs to expand and create jobs.

“I want to see Burnley as a world-leading centre for technological education.”

Mr Higginbotham, currently looking for a house in the constituency, believes his experience working closely with the Bank of England for NatWest will help to bring investment to Burnley.

He added: “I am not a great follower of football but I did notice that Burnley lost three games during the campaign but won on Saturday. I hope that is a good sign for both of us.

“I know Burnley Football Club is a hugely important part of the town. I shall be buying a season ticket for Turf Moor where I can learn from those around me.”

Cllr Charlie Briggs, leader of Burnley Council, said: “I will be on Mr Higginbotham’s case all the time. He and Boris Johnson promised investment for towns like Burnley and if we don’t get it, I shall be asking him why.”

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Cllr Briggs, leader of Burnley and Padiham Independent Party, added: “The borough needs investment and I am happy to work with anyone who can bring it.

“I will be there with him asking the government for the money Burnley needs to go forward.”