TRUE blue Ashford returned another Conservative MP just as it has bar once at every election over the last century.

In fact, sitting member Damien Green was returned with an increased majority and after a few anxious moments during the long drawn out count at the Stour Centre, when acting deputy returning officer, David Hill made the long awaited announcement at 3.16am he was a clear winner.

With the turnout slightly up many believed Labour’s Valerie Whitaker would run him closer while Lib Dem supporters were certain Chris Took would finish second.

Both were disappointed. Labour lost more than 2,000 votes and the Lib Dems only gained just over 1,000 more than in 2001.

In his victory speech, Mr Green thanked people for returning him to Westminster for a third term and said: "It had been a stimulating and civilised campaign with overwhelming messages from the electorate.

"I hope this vote sends a clear message to the Government in general and John Prescott in particular, that the people of Ashford want properly controlled delivery of growth, not just houses but everything that residents require like schools, doctors, dentists and transport links to provide quality of life."

Pledging he would be concentrating on preserving the environment and providing the infrastructure for growth he added: “My task now will be to fight to make certain we get things right.

"They will have a reduced majority and many new ministers and I will be making our voice and needs heard to make certain we get what we want."

Watching the national results unfold he said there was clear picture developing that the British people were turning to the Conservatives.

"We are seeing early this morning that we have developed a base and can go on and form a future government."

Disappointed, defeated Labour candidate, Mrs Whitaker thanked her supporters but declared that Ashford had a great future in the years to come.

Green party candidate, Richard Boden, who like UKIP increased his votes, said: "I hope that the Greens have done enough to send a message to the Government has done enough."