TORY MP James Duddridge has been re-elected to represent Rochford and Southend East despite Labour cutting his majority almost in half.

The Conservative candidate, who was predicting he would receive more than 50 per cent of the vote but actually only retained 48.7, hung on to his position at Westminster with a majority of 5,548 - almost 4,000 less than in 2015.

Labour’s Ashley Dalton came in second with 17,465 votes which was an impressive 6,700 more votes than two years ago.

Speaking after the vote, Mr Duddridge said: “The elections are a lot more than just statistics but in 2005 I was returned with 18,000 votes, in 2010, 19,000 votes, in 2015, I had 20,000 votes and have now just been returned with over 23,000 votes and I’m very grateful.

“My greatest thanks go to the constituents who have entrusted me to be their member of parliament.

“The national result is very confused and we will have to wait and see so I won’t comment on that.

“It’s been an interesting campaign, not one I was expecting but thank you everyone for taking part in democracy.”

When asked if he was disappointed he didn’t hit his 50 per cent target, he added: “I always look at how many people vote for me and it has increased.

“That is a strong endorsement that people trust me to work hard all year round, make tough decisions and necessarily just be a populist.

“One of the best things in the area is the Airport Business Park so I will continue to make sure the correct investment and development goes into it.

“I also want to make sure that we consult properly with doctors and other clinicians in the continuing development of health services in the area.”

Labour candidate Ashley Dalton was pleased with how the campaign went.

She said: “It’s been fantastic. I’m really pleased with it because it’s been so positive with lots of people getting engaged.

“A lot of people saying that they want change and contacting me to say they are making a change in the way they vote.

“I’ve lived in Southend for 25 years and have been an active member of the Labour Party so I will always be campaigning for what’s best for Southend.”

UKIP candidate Neil Hookway, who fell from third to fourth with 1,777 votes, is disappointed politics has returned to what he called a “binary” form with two major political parties.

He said: “We have gone back to the old binary political system and it’s the politics of 30 to 40 years ago.

“I think that will be a disservice to some residents because these two parties don’t represents everyone’s needs.”

Former leader of Southend Council Ron Woodley ran an impressive campaign winning 2,924 votes and coming in third.

He said: “I was there to give people the opportunity for change and focused on the downgrading of Southend A&E. “It’s disappointing that the two MPs who have been elected have not been as supportive as the other candidates on this matter.”