Andover has woken up this morning to a new MP in the shape of Conservative Kit Malthouse and a possible Conservative government.
The result was declared at 5:14am with Kit Malthouse taking 58.1% of the votes in Hampshire North West with UKIP’s Sue Perkins second with 14.7%. Turnout was high across the area at 69.7%.
North West Hampshire
- Conservative – Kit Malthouse (32,052 / 58.1% / -0.2%)
- UKIP – Sue Perkins (8,109 / 14.7% / +9.5%)
- Labour – Andrew Adams (7,342 / 13.3% / +0.2%)
- Lib Dem – Alexander Payton (5,151 / 9.3% / -14.1%)
- Green – Dan Hill (2,541 / 4.6% / +4.6%)
Figures are Votes / Share / Change on 2010. For the full breakdown see the BBC website.
The initial Exit Polls at 10.00pm last night gave the Conservatives a large lead but not quite good enough to get past the magic 326 to form a clear government and with the possibility of another coalition likely.
After the previous weeks and months of polling figures, these were a shock to many as various MPs and commentators were interviewed overnight bringing back memories of the 1992 election when John Major had a surprise win.
Initial Exit Polls
- Conservative: 316
- Labour: 239
- SNP: 58
- Lib Dem: 10
- UKIP: 2
- Green: 2
- PC: 4
- Others: 2
As the voting figures started to come in overnight, it became clear that there was a possibility the Conservatives could edge towards the 326 seats needed with a current projection of 329 for the Conservatives – a majority of 3 – with Labour on 233.
These figures also took a few major scalps with the following MPs confirmed as losing their seats:
- George Galloway (Respect)
- Douglas Alexander (Labour)
- Jim Murphy (Labour)
- Charles Kennedy (Lib Dem)
- Vince Cable (Lib Dem)
- Danny Alexander (Lib Dem)
- Simon Hughes (Lib Dem)
- Esther McVey (Conservative)
There has also been a recount requested by Labour at Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls’ seat and rumours that Nigel Farage may not win in Kent.
The biggest shock though was in Scotland with the SNP taking 56 of the 59 seats, with the Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems left with just one each. This was a gain of 40 Labour and 10 Lib Dem seats by the now third biggest party in government.
For the full national results go to the BBC website.
The local Borough and Town Council results will be announced later today (Friday 8th May).
Update 08.20am
Possibly the biggest shock of the election so far – Ed Balls has lost his Morley and Outwood seat by 422 votes.
Update 10:35am
UKIP leader Nigel Farage has lost the seat in Thanet South 16,026 v 18,838
Update 12:35pm
The Conservatives have now taken 326 seats – enough to form a government with a majority.
