THE new Tory MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has pledged to focus on the less well off in his new constituency.

Conservative Andrew Jones became MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough after a close race with Liberal Democrat candidate Claire Kelley.

The Conservatives won the former Lib Dem stronghold by 1,039 votes, with Labour’s Kevin McNerney finishing third.

Mr Jones said: “It’s clear from the vote there’s a huge desire for change in this country and that means getting rid of this Labour government. We live in a fantastic part of the country, and my party is going to help those who are not as affluent as some people think most of Harrogate and Knaresborough are.”

Mr Jones’s speech was interrupted by heckling from Labour supporters, and Mr McNerney ended his speech by attacking the Conservatives.

Mr Jones said: “I have very much enjoyed the campaign with Kevin, but his comments were a little silly”.