LABOUR had a good night in the safe seat of North Durham, where they managed to increase their already sizeable majority.

But the Lib Dem vote collapsed and the party who missed out on second by the narrowest of margins last time held onto their deposit by the narrowest of margins this time around.

Labour’s Kevan Jones, who has held the seat since 2001, took 54.9 per cent of the vote and won a majority of more than 13,600, up by 4.4 per cent on 2010.

But the party’s joy as the results were declared at the Louisa Centre in Stanley was tempered as the national picture began to sink in.

Mr Jones, former Veterans Minister in Gordon Brown’s Government, said: “It has been a good result, the Labour vote is up, there has been an increased turnout and it has been completely disastrous for the Lib Dems.

“I think the big fear we have tonight is quite clearly counties like Durham will not be able to withstand another five years of David Cameron’s Government which will direct resources away from the North-east and to the South East.

“People are really struggling.”

He added: “The first time I was elected I said it was a great privilege to represent the people of North Durham and I have not changed my opinion.

“For the next five years, I will do what I always do, work hard for the people of North Durham irrespective of how they voted tonight.”

Businesswoman Laetitia Glossop came second for the Conservatives, with 20.9 per cent of the vote, virtually unchanged on 2010, ahead of Ukip in third on 16 per cent.

But one of the stories of the night was the collapse of the Lib Dem vote. In 2010, the party achieved 21 per cent and came within five votes of pipping the Tories to second place.

This time, they polled 5.1 per cent, down by 15.9 per cent, and just saved their deposit.

Gateshead solicitor Peter Maughan, a leading figure in the regional party who previously fought the Blaydon constituency, said: “It is clear that the Lib Dems have been punished nationally for putting country before party.

“It’s sad but, a bit like Arnold Schwarzenegger, we’ll be back.”

NORTH DURHAM Kevan Jones (LAB) – 22,047 – 54.9% (+4.4%) Laetitia Glossop (C) – 8,403 – 20.9% (-0.1%) Malcolm Bint (UKIP) – 6,404 – 16% (+12.7) Peter Maughan (LIB DEM) – 2,046 – 5.1% (-15.9) Vicki Nolan (GREEN) – 1,246 – 3.1% (+3.1%)