BERNARD Jenkin was returned to Parliament as the MP for Harwich and North Essex with a majority of more than 11,000.

He thanked voters and said he was looking forward to a change in Government after seeing nearly 70% turn out from voters in his newly formed constituency.

Boundary changes saw North Essex add the Harwich area to the constituency which led to a reduction in his pre-election majority.

Mr Jenkin admitted there had been anger on the doorsteps from some following the expenses scandal, but said it was mainly from those who would not have voted for him anyway.

He said: “We have worked hard on this campaign and have had more active support than I have had for a long time. I had a great team and we have met a great many people and it is always interesting to hear what people have to say but I have been pleasantly surprised for me and the Conservative party.”

Waiting for the results to come in, he admitted he would be happy to take any majority away from the evening, which saw both Witham and Braintree return Tory MPs to Westminster.

And referring to the expenses scandal which he was engulfed in; “This has been an opportunity for all my supporters to demonstrate that there was no impropriety in my case.”

Mr Jenkin said he had campaigned hard on the message of the country’s national debt, saying only a Conservative Government could reduce it.