VOTERS in Winchester have obliged in the 'Make It Mark Again' campaign to return the Liberal Democrat MP to Westminster.

Mark Oaten, the city's MP since 1997, was elected last Thursday, although his majority was reduced from 9,634 to 7,476.

After the count at Winchester Guildhall, Mr Oaten said he hoped to repay the faith of the 31,225 people who had voted for him.

He praised Conservative rival, George Hollingbery, who attracted 23,749 votes, for making the campaign a clean contest.

Mr Hollingbery added that he was keen to stand for Parliament again, but that he would only seek a seat in Hampshire.