How Warrington South’s new MP Faisal Rashid did the unthinkable by snatching the seat from the Tories

But less than 50 days before the shock result, some party members were touting another politician to be selected to fight for the south.

With Prime Minister Theresa May calling a snap election on April 18, Labour soon made it clear just how much importance they were placing on the town.

It was only four days later that Jeremy Corbyn arrived in Warrington to rally supporters.

The Labour leader made his way to Great Sankey South borough councillor Amanda King's home, on Hood Lane North, on a sunny afternoon to deliver a speech before door-knocking.

At that point it had been confirmed Helen Jones, who retained her seat, would be the party's candidate in Warrington North.

But applications from politicians interested in challenging David Mowat were still coming in, with the deadline looming.

Cllr King, Cllr Rashid and Cllr Steve Wright were all understood to be interested in battling for the constituency and were the names on Labour members' lips.

After all applications were in, it was down to a Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) panel to select a candidate.

Following Mr Corbyn's decision to hold the campaign event at Cllr King's home, some members were tipping her to get the nod.

However, she remained coy when asked if she was confident, adding that her home was purely used as it was central to four wards.

Cllr Rashid remained glued to Mr Corbyn throughout the visit – it seemed as though he could sense his chance.

In the days after, rumours continued to circulate over who would be crowned the candidate.

But two weeks later it was elation for Cllr Rashid as he got the call he was waiting for.

It meant his mayoral term would have to be cut short, just before it was due to end.

A mayoral term in which he raised £60,000 for his selected charities, a mayoral term in which he raised his profile to communities across the borough and, critically, a mayoral term in which he proved he could deliver on the initiatives he pledged to carry out.

After getting the nod, Cllr Rashid was, as expected, in high spirits.

It was time for the Chapelford and Old Hall councillor to switch his mentality – from one prepared to tackle ward issues to one ready to improve the lives of thousands across the constituency as part of a parliamentary team led by Mr Corbyn.

Never shy of confidence, he soaked in the election campaign – but very few, very few indeed, were giving him a chance to do what Nick Bent failed to do in 2010 and 2015 – to beat Mr Mowat, of course.

There was no doubt it would take something special, with Mr Mowat having a commanding 2,750 majority in the constituency, which had appeared to slip away from being the tight marginal seat it once was, much to Labour's anguish.

Comedian Eddie Izzard was brought in to ramp up Cllr Rashid's campaign, while Maxine Peake and Reverend and the Makers performed at a rally in support of him and Jeremy Corbyn days before the nation went to the polls, with many youngsters attending.

Despite the in-fighting in Labour's party in the town, as well as on the national front, Cllr Rashid's campaign, led by Rebecca Knowles and Jane Whalen, seemed to ooze unity.

Labour knew it would take something special and, as the ballot boxes slammed shut and the exit polls came in last Thursday, that special something looked like it could happen.

Cllr Rashid, who first visited Warrington in 1998, walked into the election count room at Birchwood Leisure Centre just after 10pm, with a smirk on his face – he could sense victory after seeing the latest polls.

But he told reporters at the count he was keeping his feet on the ground and did so, until council chief executive Steven Broomhead made the all-important call confirming the results.

It was elation for Labour – but heartbreak for the Tories.

Cllr Rashid gained the seat from Mr Mowat with 29,994 votes – a swing of 5,299 votes.

Turnout reached 72.4 per cent, the highest in Warrington South since 1997.

Mr Mowat, who has been a health minister for the past year, lost by 2,549 votes and ruled out a return to politics.

Cllr Rashid hailed his team and pledged to deliver for residents in his victory speech.

His Conservative rival made his way onto the stage moments after to give a final message to his former constituents and also praised the new man in office.

However, he appeared to stumble slightly as he came onto the stage and pronounced Cllr Rashid's first name wrong – was it the shock?

The pair shook hands after the result – a moment which signalled the end of one man's political journey and the beginning of the other man's.

Once the Government is finalised, Cllr Rashid will no doubt relish taking up his seat in the House of Commons.

But, with doubts continuing to be raised over Mrs May's future as Prime Minister, some experts are predicting another general election in the not so distant future.

Is everyone ready for another?...