David BlackmoreWith a large Tory majority last time round, it was hard to see North East Cambridgeshire not staying blue for another five years.David Blackmore

With a large Tory majority last time round, it was hard to see North East Cambridgeshire not staying blue for another five years.

And true to form Conservative candidate Steve Barclay maintained his party's grip on the constituency by increasing his party's majority to 16,425.

Mr Barclay takes over from Malcolm Moss, who served as North East Cambridgeshire's Tory MP for 23 years.

Speaking after being elected, Mr Barclay said he was "delighted" with the result.

He said: "I would like to pay tribute to all the candidates for the positive way they have fought their campaigns.

"We have to build trust in the new Parliament. I look forward to rebuilding the trust that has been missing in Parliament in recent years."

Mr Barclay added there were "big challenges" ahead with one being to get fairer funding for his constituency.

Liberal Democrat candidate Lorna Spenceley came in second with 10,437 votes. Labour candidate Peter Roberts came a close third with 9,274 votes.

Mr Roberts congratulated Mr Barclay on his "good victory" and urged the new MP to work with all parties on issues in the constituency.

UKIP candidate Robin Lee Talbot improved his party's 2005 General Election result by picking up 2,991 votes.

Newcomers to the North East Cambridgeshire ballot paper also enjoyed some success.

Graham Murphy, English Democrat candidate, and independent candidate Debra Jordan picked up 387 and 566 votes respectively.

There were 52,132 votes cast which equates to a 71pc turnout.

North East Cambridgeshire result:

Steve Barclay (Con) 26,862

Susan Clapp (BNP) 1,747

Debra Jordan (Ind) 566

Gordon Murphy (English Democrats) 387

Peter Roberts (Lab) 9,274

Lorna Spenceley (Lib Dem) 10,437

Robin Lee Talbot (UKIP) 2,991