Elections 2016: Labour win by-elections in safe seats Ogmore and Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough

Labour has held control of both constituencies which are considered to be safe seats for the party

The seats are traditional strong holdings for the party (Getty Images)

Britain has woken up to two new MPs today following by-elections in Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough and Ogmore, South Wales.

Labour comfortably held both constituencies which have been historic safe seats for the party.

The Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough election was triggered following the death of MP Harry Harpham from cancer. His widow Gill Furniss has been elected to the seat with 14,087 and a majority of 9,580 votes.

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In Ogmore, the by-election was called when sitting MP Huw Irranca-Davies resigned in order to contest a seat in the Welsh Assembly. Labour's Chris Elmore has been elected to serve as his successor. Following the result, he tweeted that he was a "little overwhelmed and totally honoured".

Vote counting is continuing across Great Britain following yesterday's election. Counting is due to begin in Northern Ireland and the London mayoral election shortly.

Ukip has seen a rise in support, gaining seats in Thurrock, Tamworth and Bolton and is expected to win its first seat in the Welsh Assembly. In Scotland, Labour has sustained a number of losses and a bounceback in support for the Liberal Democrats has occurred.

With additional reporting by PA