CHRIS Evans was returned as the MP for Islwyn in what is turning into a good night for Labour across Gwent, Wales and the UK.

Candidates and election agents flocked to the Newbridge Leisure Centre for the count, which saw 36,291 voters take to the polls – a turnout of 64.38 per cent.

Chris Binding spoke to Chris Evans after the declaration:

Islwyn's MP Chris Evans (Labour) gives a message to voters following his re-election #GE2017 https://t.co/66m2U58pVz pic.twitter.com/BnJkod4JWm

— Christopher Binding (@ArgusCBinding) June 9, 2017

South Wales Argus:

While many candidates identified Islwyn as a safe Labour seat, the result saw Labour increase their majority and UKIP lose considerable support.

Welsh Labour candidate, Chris Evans, was elected with 21,238 votes and a majority of 11,412 over Welsh Conservative Dan Thomas, who received 9,826 votes.

The Labour win saw Mr Evans increase his majority by over 1,000 votes since he was elected in 2015 while the Conservatives doubled their vote with an increase in 4,460 votes since 2015.

The election also saw Ukip candidate Joe Smyth – who came second in 2015’s general election with 6,932 votes – plummet to fourth place with 1,605 votes.

Plaid Cymru candidate, Darren Jones, climbed to third place with 2,739 votes and Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate, Matthew Kidner, came last with 685 votes.

Mr Evans opened his victory speech by thanking the police, returning officer, his wife Julia and his “Islwyn team” including election agent and Risca West councillor, Ross Whiting.

Directing comments to his opposition candidates, he added: “We may have our differences but we have one thing in common, we want the best future for the people of Islwyn”.

Later in his speech, he accused the Conservatives of “smearing and name calling” – both locally and nationally – while describing them as the “nasty party” and stating they had been “rejected” by voters.

“This country is more divided than ever but you know what, sooner or later we have to come together. We have to find some common ground. It’s the only way forward,” he said.

“So, I hope this election draws a line under the nastiness and the name calling and we get on with what matters the most. What are the best policies for our country (and) people.”

He added: “I will say this about the people of Islwyn. They’re the most fantastic people I have ever met. They’re hard working, they’re innovative, they have so much to offer.

“This is a great place to live and work and I want it to stay that way and over the next five years I have three priorities. Islwyn first, Islwyn last and Islwyn always.”

Dan Thomas, Conservative, responded to Mr Evans on the podium by saying “10,000 people in Islwyn do not think the Conservatives are the ‘nasty party’”.

He described his performance as a “record-breaking result” and saw it as a reflection of people in Islwyn looking for “alternatives”.

Mr Thomas also added that “people in Islwyn are benefiting under a Conservative government” with less unemployment and residents paying less tax.

Plaid Cymru candidate, Darren Jones, credited the voter turnout in Wales and Britain as a reflection of voters “engaging” with issues.

He added that Liberal Democrats, Labour and Plaid Cymru’s “shared values” should be taken forward so Wales don’t “lose out” when its leaves the European Union.

“I don’t trust the Conservative party to properly and adequately fund Wales and Islwyn to the extent that we need economic regeneration of our valleys communities,” he said.

Ukip’s Joe Smyth said the result “was to be expected” but pledged to “take it on the chin” and to “keep on fighting”.

Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate, Matthew Kidner, also expressed disappointment at the result but said his party had increased membership locally since 2015 and said “he would be back in the future”.

Speaking to the Argus after the results, Labour's Chris Evans added he’s “determined” to bring jobs and businesses to the area, protect the environment and make sure everyone enjoys quality of life.

“What is quite clear is that people don’t trust the Tory party,” he added.

“For too long they have indulged in name calling and petty squabbling in politics and have reduced politics down to the lowest common denominator.

“People want to discuss the issues. They’re more divided than ever before and sooner or later we have to come together”.