CONSERVATIVE Rebecca Harris managed to increase her majority despite a strong challenge from Ukip as she held onto Castle Point.
Mrs Harris has been re-elected as MP for Castle Point with an increased majority of almost 9,000 after a hard-fought campaign from Ukip’s Jamie Huntman.
Mr Huntman, who is Ukip’s leader on Essex County Council, attracted more than 14,000 votes after winning the backing of Canvey Island Independent Party, leaving Labour, the Lib Dems and the Green Party a distant third, fourth and fifth.
The anti-EU party, which did not contest the seat in 2010, poured money into the hotly-contested seat and colourful party leader Nigel Farage visited the constituency several times to support Mr Huntman’s campaign.
But the Tories marshalled their deep-rooted power base to see off the challenge more easily than many predicted.
An emotional Mrs Harris said: “I feel very honoured to have increased my majority.
“I’ve got an enormous debt to the people of Castle Point and I have to honour that debt now.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article