A CONFIDENT Sir John Stanley retained his seat in the Tonbridge and Malling Conservative stronghold for his ninth consecutive election, increasing his majority by more than 5,000 votes.

And there was a slight swing from Labour to Liberal Democrats but not enough for them to take second place.

The yellow hue of the lights in the sports hall of the Tonbridge Angel Centre, Tonbridge, provided an eerie stage for the count on Thursday.

But the din of the air conditioning was soon replaced by the frantic rustling of paper until 3.15am, when returning officer David Hughes announced the result.

Mr Hughes said logistically the election had been difficult to organise due to the unprecedented number of postal votes. Voters set aside fears about the postal vote system’s vulnerability to fraud, with 7,841 issued of which 6,540 were received.

"We have managed to organise the election without too many problems but administering postal votes does take away valuable staff resources," added Mr Hughes.

Sir John saw his share of the vote rise from 49.4 per cent to 52.8 per cent while second place Victoria Hayman (Lab) saw her share fall from 29.9 per cent to 23.8 per cent.

At 63, Sir John said it was too early to confirm his future political career but said he was optimistic about continuing to serve his constituents, regardless of their party allegience.

John Barstow (Lib Dem) said: "We have made gains since the last general election and are getting across certain party messages. I believe the war in Iraq has made an impact and was a strategic mistake that the Conservatives also supported."

The total turnout on the night was 68.4 per cent including postal votes - a slight increase on 64.4 per cent in 2001.

Speaking after the result, Sir John Stanley, who was first elected nearly 30 years ago, said: "It is an enormous privilege to be asked to represent the community in the House of Commons each and every time that I have been elected and I look forward to taking up the challenge in a new parliament.

Asked how long he would continue to stand in Tonbridge and Malling, Sir John said it was too early to predict but said he would be considering putting himself forward for re-election.

Victoria Hayman (Lab) said that despite the fall in vote share she was optimistic that Labour could build on the result for future success.

She said: "Labour have made gains in the South East. In Brighton they had a complete conservative council and now have a Labour MP so nothing is impossible.

"I am very pleased that we have kept second place albeit the percentage of votes has slightly reduced."

Looking to the future, Ms Hayman said she had no intention of ending her political career.

"For me it’s always been politics," she added. "I was brought up in a political family and will certainly be back in the future."

John Barstow (Lib Dem), who was standing for the Tonbridge and Malling seat for the first time, said the election had been an enjoyable and challenging experience.

He said: "I believe the war in Iraq has made an impact and was a strategic mistake that the Conservatives also supported. I have to say well done to Sir John. He has been here for 31 years and despite our differences I respect him.

"It was a privilege to be up against one of the most experienced Conservative candidates. I hope he has a good four or five years in Parliament and has worked well for the constituency.

"I believe in the Westminster ideals of democracy and that a career in politics is my long term vocation."