EAST Lancashire MPs have welcomed the election of neighbour Sir Lindsay Hoyle as Speaker ensuring the county's voice is heard at Westminster in more ways than one.

The 62-year-old was won Chorley for Labour in 1997 and has been John Bercow's deputy since 2010 chairing Budget debates. and will now be in charge of all House of Commons proceedings

He is the son of former Nelson and Colne MP Lord Doug Hoyle.

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans, who helped drag Mr Hoyle to the Speaker's chair,said: "I am delighted. Lindsay is a good friend who will make a great Speaker.

"He will ensure that Lancashire's voice is heard in the Commons in more ways than one."

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern said: "Sir Lindsay will be a fantastic Speaker. He's a great credit to Lancashire."

Her Burnley Labour colleague Julie Cooper said: "I am absolutely delighted. It's great to have a Lancashire MP in charge of the House of Commons."

Rossendale and Darwen MP and Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry said: "I am delighted. It shows how the voice of Lancashire and the North is now being heard at loud and clear at Westminster."

His Pendle Conservative colleague Andrew Stephenson said: "Sir Lindsay is a sensible, straightforward Lancastrian who can be trusted to act fairly. He will restore the status of the position.”

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones said: "I am delighted. It's long overdue that the working classes had a Spekaer of the people."

MPs and fans of Parliament TV will have a new voice to get used to after Sir Lindsay Hoyle was elected the new Speaker of the House of Commons.

Born in Adlington, where he still lives, he is a former Mayor of Chorley

Selected for the Chorley constituency, he won back the seat for the party after it had been in Tory hands for 18 years.

In his acceptance speech Sir Lindsay paid tribute to his late daughter Natalie Lewis-Hoyle who was found dead in her bedroom aged 28 just before Christmas 2017.

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I can promise that Lancashire interest will be represented and its MPs are looked after.

"I am absolutely about ensuring Lancashire 's voice is heard and Lancashire values are brought to the House of Commons."