WILL Quince stormed to victory in Colchester securing the backing of more than half of the town’s voters in the process.

Increasing his majority by around 3,000 votes, Mr Quince won the backing of more voters than the other three candidates combined.

The Conservatives swept to a resounding victory across the UK, winning dozens of seats off Labour and winning a sizeable majority.

During his victory speech an emotional Mr Quince thanked residents of the town, calling it “an honour and a privilege” to represent them.

He said: “I worked extremely hard and it is truly humbling when you are returned with more than half of the vote.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has put their trust and faith in me.

“I would like to thank my incredible team, my wife and family who are so supportive of everything I do and I would like to thank my volunteers for everything they have done.”

Gazette: The candidates on stageThe candidates on stage

In contrast to many other constituencies in the country, the Labour vote held up, declining only slightly from 2017.

Candidate Tina McKay praised the work of activists.

“I feel we should hold our heads high, our members were amazing,” she said.

“We focused on the real issues now and in the future and we ran with our message.”

It was a disappointing night for Colchester Lib Dems.

Speaking before the results were declared candidate Martin Goss said he hope the party would be back into a “strong second place” however the party secured 1,500 less votes than Sir Bob Russell did in 2017.

Mr Goss said: “I am back at work tomorrow and I have lots of emails to answer.”

Mark Goacher of the Green Party said Boris Johnson’s big majority was bad news for the environment.

He said: “The polls suggests maybe Brexit has been the main issue.

“It is said because there are so many issues like the NHS, the environment and climate emergency. I think with Boris Johnson’s majority it means the Green voice is needed more than ever.

“The party with the least green agenda in their manifesto won and it is important the Green Party keep going and raise our voice.”

Will Quince (Con) - 26,917

Tina McKay (Lab) - 17,494

Martin Goss (Lib Dem) - 7,432

Mark Goacher (Green) - 1,530

Turn out: 64.9%