FAREHAM’s political limelight has been dominated by the Tories as Fareham MP Suella Fernandes heads back to Westminster with an increased vote.

Fareham has been a Tory stronghold since it was created in 1974 after the Gosport and Fareham constituency split into two.

Ms Fernandes was first elected to the seat in 2015 and again emerged triumphant.

She said: “It’s fantastic to be re-elected for the Fareham constituency.

“I feel very humbled and honoured to have the voter confidence of voters in Fareham after having served two years here.

“I’m looking forward to doing my best again and be Fareham’s voice in parliament.

“I would like to thank the campaign team who have been very committed to the whole campaign from start to finish.”

The Conservatives have always enjoyed strong support and Ms Fernandes, who previously ran an unsuccessful campaign against Labour’s Keith Vaz in Leicester in 2005, has campaigned to secure investment for upgrades to the M27 motorway and the Stubbington Bypass.

She has also worked to set up a "task force" to promote increased usage of Fareham Community Hospital in Sarisbury Green.

Ms Fernandes, 36, held the seat for the Tories in 2015 with a 22,262 majority over rival candidate Malcolm Jones from UKIP who achieved 8,427 votes.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem’s Matthew Winnington who finished in 3rd place with 3,896 votes said the Tories and Labour had squeezed the Liberal Democrats vote, but insisted they remain a strong opposition on the council.

Matthew Randell, who finished second with 14,360 votes said the reaction from knocking on doors had been amazing highlighting a successful campaign.

Green Party candidate Miles Grindey said the campaign had been amazing and was committed to doing Fareham for one more election.

Ukip’s Tony Blewitt, who had a very small campaign team, said he wasn’t surprised at the result.

FULL RESULTS:

Tony Blewitt  (UKIP)  1541

Suella Fernande (Conservative) 35,915 - Elected

Miles Grindley (Green) 1302

Matthew Randall (Labour) 14,360

Matthew Winnington (Liberal Democrat) 3896

Turnout 71%