Shaun LowthorpePeter Robinson, First minister of Northern Ireland has lost his Belfast East seat in the first upset of the election.Shaun Lowthorpe

Peter Robinson, First minister of Northern Ireland has lost his Belfast East seat in the first upset of the election.

The DUP politician has been swept away following a swing of more than 16pc in favour of the Alliance Party's Naomi Long, in what looks like a bad night for the party.

The result is widely seen as a personal rejection of Mr Robinson, who had been previously been forced to temporarily step aside as First Minister to cope with marital problems and the aftermath of a financial scandal involving his wife.

Reacting to his defeat, Mr Robinson said he wanted to focus on his job leading the Northern Ireland Assembly and it was 'vital to continue the momentum moving forward'.

'There will be many people who will look at the election and draw their own conclusions about my defeat,' Mr Robinson said. I have always said from a personal point of view I had indicated to many people I had preferred not to stand in this election. You should always be careful what you wish for in politics.

Ms Long secured a 1,533 swing against the DUP leader with a swing of just over 26pc.

Turnout was 58pc.