Ludlow: Conservative Philip Dunne holds seat for Conservatives

Popular Ludlow Conservative Philip Dunne was re-elected to Parliament with a landslide victory in the early hours of the morning.

He demolished the hopes of Liberal Democrat hopeful Charlotte Barnes, who was out-of-sight in a constituency that her party held just two elections ago.

Candidates for 2015:

• PHILIP DUNNE (Conservatives) 26,093

• Charlotte Ann Barnes (Liberal Democrats) 6,469

• David Joseph Kelly (Ukip) 7,164

• Janet Helen Phillips (Green Party) 2,435

• Simon Clive Slater (Labour) 5,902

• Turnout 72.65 per cent

Results from 2010:

• PHILIP DUNNE (Con) 25,720

• Heather Kidd (Lib Dem) 15,971

• Anthony Hunt (Lab) 3,272

• Christopher Gill (Ukip) 2,127

• Christina Evans (BNP) 1,016

• Jacqui Morrish (Green) 447

• Alan Powell (Monster) 179

• Conservative majority 9,749

• Turnout 73.1 per cent[/breakout]

Mr Dunne was also a long way ahead of Labour rival Simon Slater, Green candidate Janet Phillips and Ukip hopeful David Kelly, who was in second place.

The constituency had a 72.65 per cent turnout, almost identical to the 73.1 per cent turn out of 2010.

Mrs Barnes said she was undeterred by the result and was determined to fight another day, even though her vote had collapsed.

She said her family were settled in the area and had no plans to quit, despite a disappointing night.

She said: "We're in it for the long haul. We're not going anywhere. I'll definitely stand again in five years."

Philip Dunne said he was delighted to be re-elected.

"Since the end of March I have been pretty much full-on here in the Ludlow constituency," he said.

"As far as the campaign is concerned, I've been getting out and about right across the constituency. It's a huge area, 600 square miles, we've been trying to get out and meet as many people as possible.

"I think people have been worried about the NHS. In particular, people want to ensure that our community hospitals here in the south do get upgraded to Urgent Care Centre status, which has been an important part of my campaign.

"People are worried about broadband, locally, but the national issues are cutting through.

"People are concerned about the economy, people haven't been content to put at risk the fact that the recovery is under way and the fact that there are more jobs being created here in Shropshire every day.

"People don't want to risk the fact that that might come to an end. That has been a big factor on people's minds.

"I have been framing the choice at this election as continue the recovery under Cameron or put it at risk under Miliband propped up by the SNP."

The National Health Service, the coalition's austerity programme, welfare reforms and housing were among the big issues sending people to the polls in Ludlow.

Mr Dunne had been defending a majority of 9,749, which he won during an emphatic victory in 2010.

He secured a 52.8 per share of the vote then, beating Liberal Democrat Heather Kidd into second place. Mr Dunne had previously unseated the incumbent Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Green in 2005.

Mr Dunne polled 26,093 votes this time round, second placed Ukip candidate Mr Kelly won 7,164, third place Mrs Barnes scored 6,469, fourth placed Labour candidate Mr Slater achieved 5,902 and fifth placed Green Mrs Phillips won 2,435.

Mr Dunne said he was delighted to be re-elected and glad that he had doubled his majority.

He pledged to work hard to serve the people of his constituency in coming years. He was grateful that people had put their trust in him to continue the work he commenced in 2005.

He added: "I am absolutely delighted that the people of south Shropshire have put their trust in me. We want to carry on building the recovery."

Mrs Barnes expressed disappointment and said that the country was living in interesting times.

Mr Kelly said people wanted change on Europe. Mr Slater said he was pleased that Labour had maintained a steady vote. Mrs Phillips said her family and friends had been enormously supportive and she hoped she had put Green issues on the map.