Nigel Farage as Clacton MP has put seaside town on the map - but there's plenty he still needs to do to

In a result that both shocked the nation but also came as very little surprise, Nigel Farage has been elected to be Clacton's new MP. The outspoken, and often divisive, leader of Reform UK fought off stiff competition from outgoing MP Giles Watling to be the new face of the town in the House of Commons.

As seats go, Clacton was one of if not the best opportunities for Mr Farage to finally be elected to serve in Westminster. The area was where one of UKIP's only lawmakers, Douglas Carswell, had previously served.

It's a town that in recent years has fallen by the way-side. It no longer draws as large crowds as it used to for a multitude of factors.

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Tendring, the district Clacton falls within, has a number of economically-deprived neighbourhoods. A total of 25 were among the 20 per cent most income-deprived. This has resulted in issues of anti-social behaviour, rough sleeping, a sense of lacking opportunities and roads lined with some empty units.

It's an area described by some as the most depressing but by others as the happiest place to live. Younger people feel there's a shortage of potential for them; the older generation enjoys its serenity and seaside peacefulness.

Mr Watling, the outgoing MP, was backed by more than 12,800 votes but it was not enough to stop Farage whose tally of 21,000 saw him soar into pole position and claim the seat. The former actor hopes Mr Farage will continue his legacy, a legacy that has seen Clacton set to benefit from a £20m injection to help regenerate it.

"I promise I will do my absolute best as a MP," Mr Farage said in his declaration speech. "I had 20 years as an MEP but it's not quite the same link with the constituents. I will do my best to put Clacton on the map. I will try to bring more tourists and some private investment too."

Mr Farage delivered his winning speech to a crowd of journalists from all over the world. Domestic broadcasters stood shoulder to shoulder with media colleagues from Denmark, the USA and Canada. Simply being elected as the area's MP has already put Clacton back on the map - but there's more he needs to do to turn this town into the thriving destination the older generations remember.