Ashby's new MP Amanda Hack took her place in the House of Commons this week - and says North West Leicestershire has a chance to 'turn the page'.

She won the seat at last week's General Election, bringing to an end 14 years of Andrew Bridgen being the MP for the constituency.

It was technically a gain for Labour as Mr Bridgen was standing as an Independent candidate after being thrown out of the Conservative Party.

Ms Hack said after her victory last week that she would waste no time in starting work in her new job.

She told Ashby Nub News: "I'm obviously elated with what was a brilliant result.

"It was always going to be close - myself and all the other candidates had to work hard over the weeks leading up to the election.

"We've not had a Labour MP here since 2010, and it was 2009 when David Taylor sadly died.

"Now we have the opportunity to turn the page and get some genuine renewal here.

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"A Labour Government and a Labour MP for North West Leicestershire.

"I'm very excited about this and I couldn't wait to get started this week.

"Nobody puts themselves forward for Parliament without really wanting to do the job.

"It was important to recognise that everybody was there on the ballot for the right reasons."

The new Labour MP admitted the fact that she did not live in the constituency had been highlighted before the election.

But she said that, in the end, it did not play a major role in the way people voted.

Ms Hack added: "I live in the neighbouring constituency and I've always worked in Leicestershire.

"There is a real sense that I do know the area well.

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"People have obviously seen the party policies that we wanted to put forward - and they believed we needed that change.

"It was an excellent night for the Labour Party last week - and I'm not surprised, we got the overwhelming feeling that people up and down were so desperate for change. 

"The job starts straight away."

Mr Bridgen gave his reaction to losing his seat - along with his deposit - on social media.

The former MP posted: "Thanks everyone for your kind words of support and encouragement. I am sorry we did not manage to get the result. 

"Please rest assured that what I believe and think has not and will not change. 

"I'd also like to wish Amanda Hack the very best of luck for the future. It's been my privilege to represent the people of North West Leicestershire for so long and I hope she enjoys the task as much as I have."