Helen Grant is back as MP for Maidstone and the Weald.

Mrs Grant saw off a strong challenge from the Lib Dem candidate Jasper Gerard to win a second term in office by a comfortable margin. She almost doubled the majority she achieved in 2010 to 10,709.

In third place was Ukip candidate Eddie Powell, followed by Labour’s Allen Simpson, the Green’s Hannah Patton, and local medic Dr Paul Hobday representing the National Health Action Party.

Independent Robin Kinrade came bottom of the poll, but many were surprised that he collected even his 52, since he appeared to do very little electioneering.

A smiling Mrs Grant thanked her party activists and promised he constituents she would do her very, very best for the people of Maidstone and the Weald.

Mr Gerard was clearly disappointed to have lost after giving up the last two years of his life to campaigning.

He said his vote had been affected by the national swing against the Lib Dems.

Ukip’s Eddie Powell said he was pleased with the fair way the election had been conducted and thanked his growing band of supporters.

The result was announced at 5.55am to loud cheers from the Conservatives in the hall.

The outcome had looked fairly certain from early in the count, but Mr Gerard did seem to be ahead in some wards.

The turnout was 68.38%.

The full results were:

Helen Grant (Con) 22,745 votes (elected)

Jasper Gerard (Lib Dem) 12,036 votes

Eddie Powell (Ukip) 7,930

Allen Simpson (Lab) 5,268

Hannah Patton (Green) 1,396

Dr Paul Hobday (NHAP) 583

Robin Kinrade 52