Conservative Richard Benyon reflects on Newbury victory

Newly elected MP for Newbury Richard Benyon has said that he is "incredibly grateful" after securing a majority of 26,368 across the constituency.

The Conservative former minister now begins his third term of office following a final tally of 34,973 votes compared to next best placed Judith Bunting with 8,605.

The results were announced at 5.31am today at Newbury Racecourse and Mr Benyon reflected nearly twelve hours after the announcement: "I am incredibly grateful to all those who voted for me and the Conservative Party.

"It has been a great honour to represent the people of Newbury over these past ten years and I am now excited to get back to work, representing this wonderful constituency.

"I would like to thank my team of volunteers, fellow Conservative candidates and of course my family. Without their efforts and support, this would simply not have been possible.

"I would like also to pay tribute to my fellow candidates for the good natured spirit in which this election has been fought."

My Benyon's words came as it was confirmed that the Conservative Party has secured an overall - albeit slim, majority of parliamentary seats across the country.

After 650 seats had been declared the Tories hold 331 seats, the Labour Party 232 seats, the SNP 56 seats, Liberal Democrats just 8 seats, with UKIP and the Greens 1 each.

At the local level, the West Berkshire District Council election results are currently ongoing, and you can check our live blog with reporter Dan Cooper who is at Newbury Racecourse today (Friday) for the count here: http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/14492/LIVE---West-Berkshire-Council.html

For all of the reaction from the Newbury count go here: http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/14490/The-national-picture---.html

And check out the rest of our website for the full live blogs from the Newbury, Reading West and North West Hampshire seats.