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RESULT: Chris Philp keeps hold of Croydon South for Conservatives

Croydon South retained its blue tint with Conservative Chris Philp holding his safe seat, although with a much decreased majority of 11,406.

He claimed a total of 33,334 votes, up by more than 2,000 from 2015, from an increased turnout of 73.5%,  beating Jennifer Brathwaite (Labour) who earned 21,928, Anna Jones (Liberal Democrats) with 3,541, and Kathleen Garner (UKIP) whose vote plummeted from 6,068 in 2015 to 1,116.

Mr Philp made healthcare in the area a priority during his campaign, and has been MP for the constituency since the 2015 General Election.

He has previously said he is proud to have obtained £300 million from the Government at the end of 2016 for work to upgrade the signals and points on Southern Rail lines in to London.

He said: “I was delighted to increase the number of votes by 2,000, when other Conservatives didn’t do so well. It really comes down to hard work locally, working on local issues and getting things done.”

However, Mr Philp paid tribute to his Conservative colleague Gavin Barwell, who lost his seat to Labour’s Sarah Jones.

“I’m gutted that Gavin Barwell lost, my friend and parliamentary neighbour,” he said.

“He didn’t deserves to lose, he was a fantastic MP and I’m devastated by that result.

“And clearly I am disappointed by the result nationally because we appear to have gone slightly backwards nationally and that is very disappointing because it will make it harder to look after the national interest.”

Also seen off were Catherine Shelley (Green) with 1,125 and David Omamogho (Christian People’s Alliance), who was not present at the count, with 213.

Croydon South

Chris Philp (Conservative) 33,334, Jennifer Brathwaite (Labour) 21,928, Anna Jones (Liberal Democrats) 3,541, Catherine Shelley (Green) 1,125, Kathleen Garner (UKIP) 1,116, David Omamogho (Christian Peoples Alliance) 213.

Conservative hold, majority 11,406 (-5734).

Turnout: 73.5%, up from 70.3% in 2015.

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