Swire retains East Devon but I increase my vote share from 24 to 36 per cent

The results are as follows:
• Alison M Eden, Liberal Democrats: 1,468
• Peter H Faithfull, Independent: 150
• Brigitte Graham, UK Independence Party (UKIP): 1,203
• Jan Ross, Labour Party: 6,857
• Hugo Swire, The Conservative Party Candidate: 29,306 (Elected)
• Michael D Val Davies, Independent: 128
• Claire L Wright, Independent: 21,270

Turnout 73 per cent I think. One and half points up on 2015

My share of the vote rocketed from 24 per cent to 36 per cent!

I am not downhearted, although of course, I am very disappointed not to be East Devon’s MP.

I am over the moon to have increased my votes by 8000

With seven candidates in the running I think this must be a pretty historic event.

I would like to pay tribute to an amazing campaign team of 12 who couldn’t have been more committed, determined or worked harder. I had to keep pace with them, not the other way around!

Thank you so much to everyone who helped me campaign for the East Devon parliamentary seat and finally, to all those who believed in me enough to give me their vote.