GENERAL ELECTION 2017: Labour holds both Newport seats

Ian Craig spoke to Jessica Morden and Paul Flynn:

.@jessicamordenmp's message to voters in Newport East #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/MrQ8lDUj7f

— Ian Craig (@ArgusICraig) June 9, 2017

Message from @PaulFlynnMP to the voters of Newport West #GE2017 pic.twitter.com/hGmn0CKSNH

— Ian Craig (@ArgusICraig) June 9, 2017

Polls carried out early in the campaign predicted Newport East and West, both long-standing safe Labour seats, could fall to the Conservatives.

But not only did Newport East’s Jessica Morden and her Newport West colleague Paul Flynn win back their seats, but both also increased their majorities.

Mr Flynn won the battle for Newport West for the eighth time, winning 22,723 votes. His nearest competitor, Conservative Angela Jones-Evans, won 17,065 votes, meaning Mr Flynn extended his majority by 2,148.

Giving a rousing victory speech, the 82-year-old, who was first elected in 1987 and will mark the 30th anniversary of his first election to Parliament on Sunday, said: “I would like to thank all the other candidates for they unfailing kindness and their effort in getting me elected again.”

He added: “As someone approaching the half way point in my career I would like to thank Theresa May for giving me the chance for another five years.”

Concluding, he said: “I will never let you down.”

Ms Jones-Evans also spoke after the result was announced, saying: “Thank you all in the Conservative Party for all your efforts and investment in Newport West.”

Ukip, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats and the Wales Green Party all lost their deposits in the constituency.

In Newport East Ms Morden won 20,804 votes, increasing her majority by an impressive 3,298. Coming in second was Conservative Natasha Asghar, who won 12,801 votes.

Ms Morden, who was first elected in 2005, said: “It’s a huge, huge privilege to be re-elected for the fourth time in this wonderful constituency.

“I look forward to going back to work tomorrow to continue to speak up for Newport.”

Giving a graceful concession speech, Ms Asghar, who also ran for the constituency in 2015, said: “I am sure Jessica will live up to your expectations over the next five years.”

Ukip came in third in both constituencies, while in Newport West Plaid Cymru came in fourth, the Liberal Democrats fifth and the Wales Green Party sixth. In Newport East the Liberal Democrats came in fourth, Plaid Cymru fifth and Independent nominee Nadeem Ahmed sixth.

But all nominees apart from the two victorious Labour candidates and the two running for the Conservatives lost their deposits, failing to win at least five per cent of the vote.