James Cleverly has taken over the Conservative mantle in Braintree, winning the seat vacated by former MP Brooks Newmark.
He extended the previous majority of 16,121 to 17,610, while UKIP narrowly beat Labour to get second place with just 165 more votes.
Speaking after the announcement Mr Cleverly said: “I am buzzing, high on adrenaline. When they read the result I got a big rush of excitement.
“The practicalities have begun to sink in. Monday morning I will be down in Westminster trying to work out where I am, what I am meant to do.
“All of this is completely new to me but I can’t wait to get stuck in fighting for the people of Braintree.
“On the doorstep people have told me they want improvements to infrastructure, the A120 in particular and rail services, and digital infrastructure like mobile phone signal and broadband.
“I want to get businesses back into Braintree town centre, and help to make sure our businesses are growing. That’s what is good for the local economy.”
Mr Cleverly added his support for fellow new Tory MP Will Quince in Colchester, saying: “The people of Colchester will be rewarded for placing their trust in him. He will repay that thousand-fold I am sure.”
Braintree: James Cleverly (C) 27,071, Richard Bingley (UKIP) 9,461, Malcolm Fincken (L) 9,296, Matthew Klesel (LD) 2,488, Paul Jeater (Gn) 1,564, Toby Pereira (Ind) 295, Stephen Hooks (BNP) 108. Maj: 17,610 .Turnout: 68.6%. No change.
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