A “RELIEVED” Hugh Bayley has put fighting for the future of hundreds of York's axed rail workers at the top of his to-do list after securing a fifth term as an MP for the city.

The Labour candidate retained his grip on power in the new York Central seat by holding off the challenge of Conservative rival Susan Wade Weeks , although he saw the 10,000-plus majority he claimed in 2005 sliced to 6,451.

And he says his victory will now give him the impetus to take up the battle on behalf of 350 workers at collapsed York rail maintenance firm Jarvis who lost their jobs when the firm crashed into administration in March.

“I'm relieved to be back because this is an election which has had mixed results for Labour, but it is local factors which make a big difference to voters when they make up their minds,” he said.

“The Jarvis situation is the first thing I now want to move on. I will be speaking to Network Rail in the next few days over their track renewal programme to find out what their plans are so we can get jobs for Jarvis workers back again.”

Mr Bayley also vowed to continue supporting York's community stadium project, but said: "The Labour Party needs to change and that is the message I will take to Westminster.”

* For full reaction from the York Central election outcome, see The Press on Saturday.