CONSERVATIVES in Malvern were rejoicing as Harriett Baldwin was re-elected as MP for West Worcestershire.

Speaking after the result was announced, Mrs Baldwin said: "I would like to say what a privilege it is to be re-elected by the voters here in West Worcestershire. No one wanted this election but the country needed a democratic exercise to break the deadlock.

"The results have shown they have chosen the path of getting Brexit done and I will represent everyone in West Worcestershire, focusing on the economy, the environment, cutting carbon and putting more money into schools."

On the shock exit poll, Mrs Baldwin said: "The poll is just a projection but we have seen some quite astonishing results with seats that have never been held by the Conservatives being won such as in the North West, North East and Midlands.

"One thing that came back again and again on the doors was the desire to get Brexit done, and I think that has been borne out in the exit poll.

"We have got lots of legislation to get through such as legislating for the NHS, focusing on the environment and continuing to level up funding in schools."

Mrs Baldwin won 34,909 votes, finishing more than 20,000 votes clear of Beverley Nielsen of the Liberal Democrats, who came second with 10,404.

Labour's Samantha Charles came third with 9,496 on what was a bitterly disappointing night for the party, seeing many seats lost to the Conservatives.

The Green Party's Martin Allen improved his party's share of the vote, bringing in 2,715 votes.

A shock exit poll predicted the Conservatives would gain a thumping majority, winning 368 seats with Labour predicted to win less than 200.

Across the country, the Labour vote collapsed, with even long time Labour safe seats falling to the Conservatives such as two out of the three Wolverhampton seats.

After the exit poll was announced, Samantha Charles, Labour candidate, said: "The only poll that really matters is the final result.

"We had a superb response on the doorsteps and nationally, people have really liked our policies.

"I hope we improve our share of the vote locally and improve our position.

"We won't know until the final result comes out - there is a long way to go."

Despite this, Labour's share of the vote dropped from more than 13,000 in 2017 to just over 9,000 this time around.

Liberal Democrat candidate Beverley Nielsen said it is "difficult to feel enthusiastic" after seeing the results of the exit poll.

She said: "We will just have to wait and see, but it is difficult to feel enthusiastic on the back of that exit poll but it does not mean there won't be exceptions to the general trend at this stage."

On the subject of tactical voting efforts, she said: "I would have liked to have seen a wider effort than just 60 seats for tactical voting.

"As a Lib Dem I have been shocked by the rising extremimsm on both sides."