ELECTION RESULT: Tory Nick Herbert re-elected as Arundel and South Downs MP

He has been MP for the area since 2005, succeeding Howard Flight after comments made by Mr Flight about spending cuts went public.

Mr Herbert has been a vocal opponent of a second runway at Gatwick Airport, fracking, proposals for a new 10,000-home settlement near Henfield, and has criticised decisions made by planning inspectors to impose homes on local councils. He has also campaigned for a new Arundel bypass for the A27.

Speaking to the County Times after the result Mr Herbert said: “I am absolutely delighted. It is a privilege to represent this fantastic constituency and I am very lucky and delighted to be elected for a third time.

“I said I would do everything in my power to be a strong voice for local people and that is what I intend to continue to do.

“It has been a fantastic night, people didn’t predict this. We can now continue the important work of putting the country back on its feet and I am delighted David Cameron will remain Prime Minister.”

The full results were:

Peter Grace (UKIP): 8,154

Nick Herbert (Con): 34,331

Shweta Kapadia (Lib Dems): 4,062

Isabel Thurston (Greens): 3,606

Christopher Wellbelove (Labour): 6,324

For more results, reaction, comment and analysis check our website throughout the morning.