The eastern side of Southampton turned blue for the first time in 23 years as the Conservatives celebrated a major election victory in the city.

Labour's Alan Whitehead increased his majority in Southampton Test but Tory Royston Smith seized the Itchen seat on a good night for the Conservatives.

Longstanding Labour MP John Denham had held the seat since 1992, but Mr Smith defeated his successor as Labour candidate, Rowenna Davis, by 2,316 votes.

At the 2010 election two recounts were needed as Mr Denham finally beat Mr Smith by just 192 votes, but by 4 am it had become apparent that there would be no need for a recount this time.

Speaking after the result was announced, Mr Smith said he felt "ecstatic", adding: "it's been a slog and it's been a work up at times and I'm really pleased with the outcome."

He said he believed his local roots has been a factor in his win, as well as the Coalition's economic record.

Dr Whitehead, who won Southampton Test for the fifth time for Labour, increased his majority over Tory challenger Jeremy Moulton to 3810, but said his "feelings are mixed".

He said the Test result was "fabulous" but said "my pleasure has been tempered with what has happened in this side of the city."

He also said: "Labour has not had a good evening", but said any speculation about a new government and whether the Conservatives would have a majority was "premature".