The people have spoken, Tunbridge Wells will remain blue as Greg Clark has been elected MP.

Mr Clark received 30,181 votes in an election with a turnout of 70.3% - slightly up on the last election of 68%.

The delighted 46-year-old took to the stage in the Assembly Hall Theatre just before 4.30am this morning following the result.

He was re-elected with a 22,874 majority - the highest in the seat's history.

He thanked the support of the counters, council staff, his friends, family and the people of Tunbridge Wells.

The father-of-three, who secured 59% of votes, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be re-elected as the representative of this famous and wonderful place. I am conscious, however, that it comes with a serious responsibility to continue to work hard for everyone in the community no matter which way they voted.

“The people of Tunbridge Wells have played a great part in securing a brighter future not just for this area but for our entire country.”

Over 80 staff counted a total of 51,428 votes of which Anthony Kerrigan (Lab) secured 7,307; Colin Nicholson (Ukip) received 6,481; James MacCleary (Lib Dem) polled 4,342; Marie Jones (Green) got 2,659 and Graham Naismith, the area’s Independent candidate, received 458.

The result was the first to be declared in Kent, shortly followed by Canterbury and Whitstable.

This year out of 73,429 people eligible to vote in the area 14,840 opted for postal voting.

Mr Clark was first elected at the 2005 general election for Tunbridge Wells after Archie Norman stood down as the MP.

He said he will continue to monitor and campaign matters of importance in the constituency including the dualling of the A21.

To see a live stream of comments about the ongoing counts follow @km_newsroom and the hashtag #KentDecides

Other reporters and photographers are at counts across the county and will be using Twitter, Facebook and the KentOnline website to bring you the latest news.

To find out when the result is expected in your area click here.