Former Kingston and Surbiton MP Ed Davey said it had been an honour to serve his constituency for 18 years, after losing out to the Conservatives last night.

The Liberal Democrats lost out on a majority of nearly 3000 votes to the Tories’ James Berry, in a seat usually counted as one of the safest in London, being beaten by 23,249 votes to 20,415.

Mr Davey, 49, first thanked his campaign team and wife before turning to his loyal supporters who have stuck with him for so many years.

“I would like to thank the people of Kingston and Surbiton,” said Mr Davey.

“They gave me the honour of serving them in four elections and I was always grateful for their support to me and I believe I worked hard both for the community and for the individuals.

“I have been particularly proud to help thousands of individuals and I’m proud to have come into politics and have played a positive role.”

Starting from the humble beginnings of a 56 vote majority in 1997 to 7,560 in 2010, Mr Davey has become one of the most successful and well-known Lib Dems.

The Surbiton man also tallied a strong record of delivery in a wide range of subjects, from saving the A&E and maternity units in Kingston Hospital to campaigning for more primary school places.

He added: “The things I am proud of was helping individuals. I have more advice surgeries than any other London MP. Why do I do them? Because I think that as member of parliament your views should come from the people and you should understand the problems they are facing.

“I know a lot about the poorest in our society here in Kingston.

“People think it is a rich borough but there are some people in serious need and I fought every week to help those individuals.”

With the leading party yet to be confirmed, there is something that is startling clear – the Liberal Democrats have been mauled and Mr Davey is all too aware of it.

“I think there is a huge need in Britain for a strong, liberal voice to stand up against the many authoritarian tendencies in the two bigger parties who tend to play to the national media headlines,” finished Mr Davey.

“British parliament will be both weaker and less representative because there will be fewer liberals in it and I think that will be quite significant – I fear a race to the bottom.”