LABOUR has held on to its majority in Dover and Deal, and have vowed to protect the Port of Dover against future privatisation - a key plank of the Conservative campaign.

Gwyn Prosser was re-elected for by a majority of 4,941, with 21,690 votes, slightly down on the 5,199 majority he polled in 2001.

Conservative, Paul Watkins, received 16,739 votes.

Liberal Democrat, Antony Hook, took an increase of over 2,000 votes, while UKIP’s Michael Wiltshire received 1,252. Indpendent candidate, Vic Matcham took 606 votes.

Mr Prosser said he would continue to push legislation through parliament that would safeguard the port against any privatisation by any future Government.

"I think that issue certainly boosted our majority," said Mr Prosser.

He added: "We have not exploited the sensitive issue of asylum and immigration, and we have been consistent on that. In the past this area has suffered its fair share of difficulties.

"This has been a tightly fought campaign, but it has not been bitter or personal."

The Conservative’s Dover campaign majored on selling the port to fund road and rail improvements, including the A2 and A20, and modifications to the High Speed Rail Link.

Mr Prosser added: "My priorities will be to campaign to bring the High Speed Rail Link to Dover and lots of work has already been done to deal with congestion on the A20."

Conservative candidate, Paul Watkins, said he was disappointed with his result, which is five votes less than he polled in 2001.

"Our plans to sell the port played into Labour’s hands, and some of our supporters strayed away. We still believe the area needs better road and rail links, and no-one else offered to solve these problems," said Mr Watkins.

Antony Hook, said he was pleased with the Liberal Democrat gain of 2,000 votes, adding that he believed their positive campaign had appealed to more voters.

But Independent Vic Matcham, said he was bitterly disappointed to receive under 1,000 votes, and is considering quitting his role as a town councillor.