Spelman's majority secure despite shock losses

CONSERVATIVE candidate Caroline Spelman has been re-elected as the MP for Meriden, once again securing a significant majority.
The former cabinet minister, who was standing for the sixth time, polled over 19,000 votes more than Labour's Tom McNeil.
Speaking after the result was declared at North Solihull Sports Centre, Mrs Spelman said: "I am deeply touched and honoured by the support I have received amongst my constituents.
"I will use every ounce of my strength [and] experience in the service of Meriden constituency in the new Parliament."
Mr McNeil, who took to Twitter to thanks his supporters, did manage to increase the Labour vote from two years ago, adding around 5,000 votes, but was unable to close the gap on his Tory rival.
It appears that both parties benefited from the collapse of UKIP, with their candidate Les Kaye losing his deposit.
Alison Gavin (Green) and Antony Rogers (Lib Dems) also failed to reach the five per cent mark, as the vote swung overwhelmingly behind the two main parties. Indeed, between them the Tories and Labour attracted more than four out of five of the ballot papers cast.
Despite victory for Mrs Spelman and her Parliamentary colleague Julian Knight, who won in neighbouring Solihull, it was a bruising night for the Tories.
Having gone into the election campaign confident of an increased majority, a dramatic reversal in the opinion polls actually meant gains for Labour and the loss of the Conservatives' overall majority.
The West Midlands had been expected to be a key battleground, with the Tories throwing resources at claiming marginals such as Edgbaston, Northfield and Wolverhampton South West.
In the end only two seats turned blue and these victories were offset by a shock Labour win in Warwick & Leamington.

Result:
Alison Gavin (Green) -  1,416
Les Kaye (UKIP) -  2,016
Tom McNeil (Lab) -  14,675
Antony Rogers (Lib Dem) - 2,663
Caroline Spelman (Con) - 33,873