Rayleigh and Wickford General Election 2024 results as MP holds onto seat he's held since 2001

In a night where many Conservative MPs lost their seats it was celebration for the party in Rayleigh and Wickford. Mark Francois held onto the seat in a Conservative win.

He has been MP for the area since 2001 and will continue to serve the area while his party is the opposition in government. Reform UK came in second in Rayleigh and Wickford with 12,136 votes.

James Hedges came in third for Labour with 11,823. Stewart Mott had 4,068 votes for the Lib Dems and Chris Taylor and the Green Party had 2,196 votes.

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The Tories have lost many of their seats in Essex - and nationally Conservatives have dropped, conceding hundreds of seats to Labour. Soon to be the new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK was waking up this morning to “the sunlight of hope”, which was “shining once again on a country with the opportunity after 14 years to get its future back”.

Outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “The Labour Party has won this General Election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.” Mr Sunak added: “Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with goodwill on all sides.

“And it’s something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability and future.The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn… and I take responsibility for the loss. To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry.”

You can keep up to date with the latest results as they are declared on our live blog.

You can check your local result and the picture across the country below.