North Kent general election round-up: Tory candidate makes history with third re-election

The result in north Kent mirrors the trend nationally with the confirmation of a Tory majority in Government.

The Dartford seat proved its reputation as one of Britain's longest-running bellweather seats, with it successfully predicting a Conservative government following Gareth Johnson's win.

The Tory candidate returned to his seat after being first elected in 2010.

The Gravesham seat, which looked impossible to call prior to polling day, was retained by Tory candidate Adam Holloway for his third successive term.

Gravesham

Adam Holloway (Conservative)

Mr Holloway made history by retaining his seat in Gravesham with 23,494 votes, making him the first MP to be elected three times consecutively.

The results were announced at 6.45am this morning after counting began at 1.45am.

Mr Holloway took a lead of 8,380 - a 932 decrease on his majority over Labour.

Adam Holloway delivering his winning speech in Gravesham

Mr Holloway said he would help stop Britain "going down the tube".

He told News Shopper: "You have got to have a strong economy in order to have strong public services.

"You cannot just spend money that you do haven't got and borrow money from your great, great, great grandchildren."

Holloway arrived at the Woodville at around 5am

He added after his re-election: "The economy and the debt really are national security issues.

"Can I finish by thanking the people of Gravesham, and assuring you that I and the councillors of all parties will continue to do our best to tirelessly serve you regardless of who you vote for (in local elections)."

Labour candidate Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, 36, who received 15, 114 votes, was apologetic to his fellow reds after results were announced.

He said: "I apologise profusely to our local members, supporters and voters.

The Labour camp looking dejected, just before results were read out

"I was given the chance of winning a seat, to deliver a fairer society.

"I think it has been a growing contest but once again thank you to everybody who voted.

"I hope that the residents of Gravesham will be served over the next five years by Adam to the best of his ability, whilst we look towards a better Gravesham."

Mr Dhesi told News Shopper: "I apologise to those who entrusted me with the task of helping to deliver a Labour government. I was unable to do that."

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi lost out to returning MP Adam Holloway.

The turnout was up by just over two per cent this year compared to 2010, with an overall total of 69.83 per cent.

An impressive amount of postal voters cast their votes in Gravesham with a turnout of 82.16 per cent.

Dartford

Gareth Johnson (Conservative) 

In Dartford Gareth Johnson, who won his seat with 49 per cent of the votes, said he was “humbled” by the result.

The former Dartford Grammar School pupil won 25,670 votes, increasing his majority over Labour by 1,717.

The constituency had one of the highest election turnouts in Kent, with 73 per cent casting their vote- a seven per cent increase on 2010.

Gareth Johnson (left) also retained his seat in Dartford

Following his win Mr Johnson thanked the people of Dartford.

"Dartford is a fantastic town with beautiful villages,” said the 45-year-old.

"I am proud of this campaign and proud to call myself a Dartfordian.

"It's been a long day but obviously I feel very honoured to be given this opportunity to continue serving Dartford. It's a fantastic town.

"There are still improvements that we need to make but I am very very humbled to be given this opportunity.”

The MP for Dartford also thanked members of his team, his wife Wendy and leader of Dartford Council, Jeremy Kite, who he called 'the best council leader Dartford has ever had.'

Mr Johnson took a 12, 345 lead over the Labour candidate Simon Thompson who received 13,325.

Mr Thompson said he was disappointed by the result in Dartford, and nationally.

"I want to stay in politics and I want to sit in Westminster, hopefully in Dartford but for now I want to spend some time with my children and my long suffering wife,” he added.

Ukip’s candidate Elizabeth Jones overtook Liberal Democrats to take third with 10,434 votes.