By-election Labour result 'clear' message to government

The Labour leader, Ed Miliband, says voters in the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election have sent a strong message to the government.

Debbie Abrahams held the seat for Labour with an increased majority of more than 3,500.

The Liberal Democrats came second; the Conservatives finished third, with their vote falling by 7,000.

An influential Conservative blogger said Tory activists would see the campaign as a sign that David Cameron is planning a more permanent alliance with the Liberal Democrats.

Ross Hawkins reports.