Beaumont Thanks Folkestone and Hythe

4.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 7th May 2010

Liberal Democrat Candidate Lynne Beaumont has thanked voters across Folkestone and Hythe for their support in the General Election, and congratulated new Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins for winning the seat.

Lynne Beaumont increased the Lib Dem vote by over 1,500 votes since 2005, whilst the Conservatives saw their majority reduced in Folkestone and Hythe by around 2,000 from the "notional majority" predicted most commentators, and received under half the total vote cast. Labour saw their vote reduced again to under 11%. The full result was:

• Damian Collins (Conservative): 26109 votes (49.4%, -4.5%).

• Lynne Beaumont (Liberal Democrats): 15987 votes (30.3%, +0.7%).

• Donald Worsley (Labour): 5719 votes (10.8%, -1.8%).

• Frank McKenna (UK Independence Party): 2439 votes (4.6%, +3.3%).

• Harry Williams (British National Party): 1662 votes (3.1%, +3.1%).

• Penny Kemp (Green Party): 637 votes (1.2%, -0.3%).

• David Plumstead (Independent Candidate): 247 votes (0.5%, +0.5%)

At the count, Lynne Beaumont thanked local voters for the support she received during the campaign, and congratulated Damian Collins on his election. Lynne also thanked all the Council staff who had worked so hard on the election and the count itself.

Lynne said:

"I'm delighted for the support I've received across the whole area, and would like to say thank you to everyone who has backed me. I'd also like to thank the Lib Dem team that worked so hard for me across the constituency, and all of the deliverers, supporters and members that have joined the Party during the campaign.

"Unlike elsewhere in the country, the election and count here in Folkestone and Hythe seems to have been managed excellently by the Shepway Council team and staff. They've done a great job, and deserve our congratulations and thanks."