The new MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr has said the "hard work begins today” after his victory in the Powys constituency.

Steve Witherden, the newly elected Labour MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr has laid out some of his priorities as he marks the first time a Labour candidate will represent the northern Powys seat.

In a statement, Mr Witherden highlighted support for small businesses and farmers, cross border healthcare and green energy as his priorities.

He said: “I am beyond humbled to have been elected Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr – the first time Montgomeryshire has ever returned a Labour MP. I thank the voters for putting their trust in me and in the Labour Party to bring change to our constituency, and congratulate all candidates for a well-fought campaign.

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“The hard work begins today. I will deliver on my promises of returning prosperity to our constituency, supporting small businesses and farmers, working with Labour governments in Westminster and Cardiff to improve cross-border healthcare and drive down waiting lists, while investing in green energy and safeguarding our countryside.

“People in every corner of our constituency have put their trust in me to be a representative for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr in all its diversity.”

Mr Witherden was elected to the seat after a close fought campaign that five of the six candidates receiving more than 5,000 votes. Labour received 12,709 votes against Reform's 8,894 and 7,775 for the constituency’s former MP Conservative Craig Williams. Lib Dems got 6,470 votes, Plaid Cymru 5,667 and Green 1,744.

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Mr Williams was expected to retain the seat when the general election was first announced, but subsequent scandals over an investigation launched into betting around the date of the election eventually led to his party withdrawing their support for him.

Labour’s victory in Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr represents the first time the constituency has left Tory hands since 2010, when Glyn Davies won it from Lembit Opik.

Immediately after the results were announced, Mr Witherdon said: “I would like tot thank the voters of Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr. I believe the term historical result is overused but this really is a historical result.

“Montgomeryshire is the only seat in Wales that had never had a Labour MP so history has been made here tonight.”