CONSERVATIVE Andrew Jones has won the Harrogate and Knaresborough seat with a majority of 1,039.

Mr Jones polled 24,305 votes, with Lib Dem Claire Kelley, chosen to stand for the party after sitting MP Phil Willis decided to stand down, coming second on 23,266.

Labour's Kevin McNerney polled 3,413 votes, Steve Gill of the BNP got 1,094 and John Upex of the UK Independence Party got 1,056.

Mr Jones said he was “absolutely delighted” with his victory and said his phone “was ringing off the hook” with messages of congratulations.

Mr Jones paid tribute to his Lib Dem predecessor as MP Mr Willis, and said he had hugely enjoyed the campaign on a national and local level, and was looking forward to serving the area in Parliament.