CONSERVATIVE John Baron was delighted to be voted back in as MP for Basildon and Billericay and is looking forward to driving forward the Brexit negotiations.

Mr Baron has held the seat since 2001 when he was chosen to defend the seat.

He won with a majority of more than 5,000, which he doubled at the 2005 General Election.

He has then won successive elections, taking Thursday's seat with almost 13,000 more votes than Labour, who came in second place.

Mr Baron said he was thrilled to have been chosen by his constituents once again.

He told the Echo before the results were announced at Basildon Sporting Village shortly after 12.30am on Friday that his campaigning had gone well.

He added: "I am never confident before the election as you never know what could happen.

"All you can do is wait and see at the end of the day."

However, his uncertainty was short lived.

Despite looking anxious moments before the result was read out by acting returning officer Bala Mahendran.

There were cheers from the crowd as his result was announced.

Speaking after the announcement he said: "I am delighted to have been chosen as member of parliament for Basildon and Billericay.

"I am pleased that the constituents have put their faith in me for another election.

"It is a great honour and duty to be chosen once more.

"For 16 years I have now been the MP and I look forward to serving my constituents for another period.

"The team I have worked with have been brilliant all the way through.

"Together with this team we will achieve what we set out to do for the best of the constituents, both those that voted for me and those who didn't."

Mr Baron, who is married with two children, was a staunch supporter of Brexit, and in June 2012 he delivered a letter signed by more than 100 Tory MPs calling for an EU referendum.

There were rumours he might defect to Ukip due to his reputation as a Eurosceptic.

Mr Baron said: "The first priority now that I have been re-elected will be to do what I can to assist with seeing Brexit through.

"As well as that, I will be do all I can make sure there is sound management of the country's economy and investments.

"Locally, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed.

"I will make sure we do the best for all of the constituents that it is my duty to serve."

He did not give more details about specific local issues that he would be aiming to address during his service.

Mr Baron has frequently rebelled against his own party, including in calling for a sooner EU referendum and in opposing military intervention in Iraq, Libya and Syria.

Negotiations between the UK and the EU about the country leaving are expected to start on June 19, 11 days after the election took place.