A LONG-serving Labour MP has been returned to his seat for the fifth time with a slightly reduced majority.

Kevan Jones was re-elected in North Durham with a majority of 12,978, winning 25,917 votes.

Conservative Laetitia Glossop was second with 12,978 votes, more than 4,000 more than when she stood two years ago.

In his victory speech, Mr Jones said: “When I was first elected in 2001 I said I would never take North Durham for granted and I haven’t. I’ve worked hard for North Durham. I will continue to represent them regardless of who they voted for.”

There was a turnout of 64.76 per cent with 43,372 votes cast – more than 3,000 more than last time.

Saying the electorate had rejected austerity, Mr Jones added: “The last seven years of austerity which has damaged not just this constituency but constituencies across the country, has been rejected.

"People are suffering out there. I see it every day of the week in North Durham. Decent hardworking people who deserve a chance. Ordinary working people who are loyal to their communities, work hard and don’t expect fabulous riches.

“What they expect is a fair deal. Hopefully that is what this country can turn to – the fair deal they expect.”

Ms Glossop said: "It's been a good result for us in North Durham."

Kenneth Rollings, for Ukip, was third with 2,408 votes while Craig Martin, for the Lib Dems was fourth with 1,981 – slightly more than the party gained in the last election.

He said: "I'm a bit disappointed that as a local candidate I ended up coming last but I think it shows we're in unprecedented times.

"I've never seen an election anything like this before."

Mr Rollings said: “From the feedback we’ve had on social media and such like we expected that kind of result. I just hope that whoever gets into government, whether its hung or not, just remembers the referendum and the whole of the UK.

“There’s no such thing as a hard or a soft Brexit, it’s a clean Brexit or no Brexit. I hope whoever gets into government remembers that or we will be back with a vengeance.”

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