IT WAS a big victory for the Conservatives after it was announced that Sir David Amess had taken the Southend West seat with 27,555 votes, giving him a majority of 14,459.

While Labour candidate Aston Line put in a strong performance with 13,096 votes, it was a disappointing result for the party, which had managed a 15 percent gain during the 2017 election.

The Labour vote fell from 16,046 to 13,096, whilst the Liberal Democrats saw an increase in their vote from 2,110 in 2017 to 5,312. Independent candidate 77 Joseph received 1.2 per cent of the vote.

After his victory was announced, Sir David said: “I want to thank all those people who voted to re-elect me as their MP. Regardless of how people voted, I will represent each and every one of my constituents as I’ve always done to the very best of my ability.

“I would also like to thank the police, for the way they have looked after polling stations during the election, particularly remembering the tragic event of loss of life in Tintern Avenue, which wasn’t anything to do with the election.

“I’m also delighted to have increased my majority. In the eleven times I’ve been a parliamentary candidate I’ve knocked on doors in the morning, afternoon and evening, carrying out over 100 sessions two hours each time covering the whole of the constituency.

“Most were very angry that parliament hadn’t carried out Brexit and the will of the people, we’ve been going round in circles. This solid majority will change all our lives completely.”

The Tories wiped out competition across south Essex in all constituencies.

In Rochford and Southend East, James Duddridge won his biggest ever majority.

Basildon saw Stephen Metcalfe and John Baron comfortably hold their seats by thousands of votes.

Rebecca Harris kept Castle Point in the blue with 33,000 votes.

Mark Francois arrived minutes before the announcement that he had secured his seat at Rayleigh and Wickford.

In Thurrock, Jackie Doyle-Price increased her majority from hundreds of votes to 11,000.

Mr Amess continued: “It has been a miserable three and a half years, with so much damage being done and endless arguing. I do hope that we will be able to draw a line under what has gone on and will look towards a brighter future.

“On that note, I’m delighted to announce that not only the prime minister but the leader of her majesty’s opposition both think that Southend should become a city. That’s now my quest.”

He finished his speech by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

The Tories have held the Southend seat since it was created in 1950 and Sir David has won in every election since 1997.

Mr Amess added: “For me this isn’t the end of the election, as when I return to Westminster I will be fighting my own election as a candidate to be considered as one of the deputy speakers.”