Harrogate & Knaresborough - 'Euphoric' Willis fends off Tory challenge

Top Tories including Michael Portillo and Anne Widdecombe had visited the once true-blue stronghold during the General Election campaign to support Andrew Jones's bid to regain the seat for the Conservatives.

But Mr Willis, who beat former Chancellor Norman Lamont in 1997 with a 6,000 majority, increased his lead over his Tory challenger this time to almost 9,000 votes. He polled 23,445, with 14,600 for Mr Jones. Labour's Alastair MacDonald polled just 3,101, an apparent victim of tactical voting.

Mr Willis said afterwards: "I am absolutely euphoric tonight. What was a dream in 1997 has now become a reality. It has become embedded in the life blood of Harrogate and Knaresborough.

"In 1997 the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough voted for change. They didn't want an absentee MP. They said we want somebody working for the constituency. I think we have been able to deliver that.

"At the beginning of the campaign we felt it was going to be very close indeed. We are delighted we have not only retained the seat but got a 50 per cent increase in our majority."

Mr Willis said the Liberal Democrats had not made false promises during the campaign but told the voters what it wanted to do and what it would cost, and people had responded to this honesty.

Mr Jones said: "Obviously I am very disappointed. How could one not feel disappointed? But I have thoroughly enjoyed the campaign."

He said there had been a friendly and warm welcome on the doorstep and he believed the Conservatives would retake the seat.

"I think the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough have broadly Conservative values," he said.

Mr MacDonald said it had been an historic day for Labour nationally, in achieving a second term for the first time in its history.

UK Independence Party candidate Mr Brown said he was disappointed by the Party's vote and the country was now on a "slippery slope into Europe".

Mr Cornforth, Pro Life Alliance candidate, said it would be back at the next General Election, when it would be better organised.