John Hayes has been re-elected as Member of Parliament for South Holland and The Deepings.
He was returned to the House of Commons for a fifth term with an increased share of the vote. His 29,303 votes was 60 per cent, up a single percentage point from 2010.
In a speech moments after the result was declared in Spalding at 4.40am on Friday, he said: “I’m flattered to receive 60 per cent.”
Mr Hayes’ superiority in terms of number of votes was reduced by UKIP’s David Parsons, who polled 10,736. In 2010, the MP enjoyed a 21,880 (43.6%) lead over the second-placed candidate (Liberal Democrat). This year Mr Hayes polled 18,657 (36.6%) votes more than his nearest rival.
It was the second time a UKIP candidate had stood in the constituency and the increased backing will be seen as significant.
Labour’s Matthew Mahabadi received 6,122 votes, and 19-year-old Green Party candidate Dan Wilshere was fourth (1,580), ahead of Liberal Democrat George Smid (1,466).
The turnout across the district of 48,735 was 64 per cent, which was down on 2010 (50,496; 66%).
However, the turnout for South Holland District Council seats benefited from the poll being held on the same day as the General Election for the first time since 1979. It was 42,074 (60%), compared to 38% in 2011.
The count for district council seats starts at 2pm on Friday and the feeling is that the 11 UKIP candidates have done well.
