Conservative James Heappey has been re-elected as Burnham-On-Sea’s MP after Thursday’s General Election.
The result, announced early this morning, was: Conservative James Heappey (30,488), Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt (22,906), Labour’s Andy Merryfield (7,129) and the Christian Peoples Alliance’s Lorna Corke (320).
Mr Heappey said in his victory speech that he was “hugely honoured” to be the constituency’s MP once again.
He added: “To be the first MP to win 50 per cent of the votes for this constituency for 20 years is a massive thrill. After such a rollercoaster on the doorstep and in the press, I am just thrilled to be returning as the MP. I would like a full term this time.”
Turnout across the Wells constituency was up on two years ago, with 73.95 per cent.
Tessa Munt declared she would be ready to run again. She bemoaned the voting system that “does not reflect the actual vote”, but said the election as a whole had been a win for young people’s involvement.
Mr Heappey won with a majority of 7,582 after residents across the Wells constituency – which includes Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Berrow and Brean – went to the polls on Thursday.
At the last General Election in May 2015, Mr Heappey won the parliamentary seat with a majority of 7,585 votes, or 46.1% of the vote over Tessa Munt’s 32.8%. Tessa Munt won the seat from the Tories by 800 votes at the previous election in 2010.
Tessa Munt speaking to the media after her election night loss early today
The count was held at the Bath and West Showground, in Shepton Mallett and the final result was declared at 4.35am.
