A vote increase of 3,000 was a welcome statement of intent for the Labour Party, according to its candidate for Great Yarmouth.

Mike Smith-Clare polled 15,928 in the election, a considerable growth for the party in the borough.

Despite losing out on the parliamentary seat to the Tories, Mr Smith-Clare hailed his party's performance in the borough.

He said: 'It has been a wonderful campaign for us and a good stepping stone. I feel it is a hugely positive outlook for us and we can continue to grow here.

'I would dearly love to run again, as this is something I feel very strongly about..'

He also stood by his leader's call for Theresa May to step down as PM. He said: 'She has made far too many U-turns.

'I cannot see how she can continue.

' It is interesting how the whole campaign she spoke of a coalition of chaos, which is exactly what we have ended up with.'