Conservative Damian Collins has successfully defended his Folkestone and Hythe seat. The result was declared just after 5am.

Mr Collins polled 26,323 for an increased majority in the seat he has held since 2010, with Ukip's Harriet Yeo coming second with 12,526 votes.

Liberal Democrat candidate Lynne Beaumont - who came second five years ago - was consigned to fourth place to compound a miserable night for the party, with Labour's Claire Jeffrey jumping up to third.

The turnout in the constituency was 66%.

Mr Collins said he was "delighted" and "humbled once again to receive the support of the people of Folkestone and Hythe to be their Member of Parliament".

“We’ve seen a good increase in our majority which I think is a very clear message from people locally that they want us to continue our policies to get the economy growing, more jobs and the regeneration of Folkestone.

“They can see what we’re doing is working and I know it’s been a difficult time for our country and our area but people can see we’re back on track and wanted to stick with it and that was the deciding factor in the election.

“The key things for me are securing the regeneration of Folkestone seafront and that’s got to be a major project for the local economy. I want to continue my work to secure a long-term future for nuclear energy at Dungeness and more community facilities in the NHS.”

Ukip’s Harriet Yeo thanked both her family and a “fantastic Ukip team”. The party gained 10,087 votes on the 2010 result when the party association’s now chairman Frank McKenna stood.

She added: “I was dropped in on them at very short notice, they took me to their hearts and they couldn’t have been kinder and more helpful and I really want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Labour’s Claire Jeffrey said she was “proud” of the party’s result which saw her increase the red share by 2,000 votes.

She said: “We’ve rebuilt our membership, we’re buoyant, I’m so proud of our fantastic campaign team and also all our supporters who’ve come out day in day out in all sorts of awful weather.

“Most of all to our agent and organiser, my husband, Dylan Jeffrey.” She vowed to continue her work and hold Mr Collins to account.

But for the Liberal Democrats it’s been a “devastating night” nationally and in Folkestone and Hythe, according to candidate Lynne Beaumont.

She saw her vote share fall by 11,105 as the party has seen some high-profile casualties including chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, business secretary Vince Cable and energy secretary Ed Davey.

Mrs Beaumont, who is contesting the Broadmead ward in the district election, added: “I’m not surprised [how it’s gone] if you look at the rise in the Labour vote and the rise in the Ukip vote it’s coming from somewhere.

“It’s been devastating nationally and it’s been no different here. People vote for lots of different reasons and it doesn’t matter if someone’s really good.”

She paid tribute to some of the “magnificent MPs” they have lost such as the “utterly brilliant” Simon Hughes and former Folkestone and Hythe candidate David Laws.

Martin Whybrow was pleased with the progress as he increased the Green vote by more than 2,300 votes.

He added: “Thanks to all the people who helped with the Green Party campaign because we rely so much on volunteers and their enthusiasm. “Thanks to my wife who’s been very patient yet again.”

He concluded by saying he was looking ahead to the district count and hoped they would make “a few more strides there”.

Trade Union and Socialist Coalition Seth Cruse, who received 244 votes, said they had “put a marker down” adding: “We’re the only one offering an alternative which is socialism. We’ll continue to fight and continue to fight all cuts and say no to austerity.”

Mr Collins arrived at around 3.30am and said he was feeling good and that it was "looking like it's going to be a good night" for him and the Tories.

Earlier, Ukip party chairman Frank McKenna said "political history was in the making" here and nationally while candidate Harriet Yeo thanked her team and said she had seen "a lot of support out there".

The turnout of 66.1% is a slight drop on the previous turnout of 67% in the election in 2010.

After a slight delay with some papers being brought in from Romney Marsh, the count began at 2am.

Papers were verified last for the Shepway district and town and parish elections before Saturday's count. The ballots have been taken to a 'strong room' at the Civic Centre in Folkestone.