Mixed feelings for Sir Alan Duncan despite winning record share of General Election vote in Rutland and Melton

share of the vote.

His celebrations were tempered by the increasing likelihood that his Conservative party would fail to win an overall majority.

Sir Alan retained his seat by polling 36,169 votes, which equated to 62.8 per cent of the votes, increasing his majority by 7.2 per cent.

The results represented Sir Alan’s largest vote share since he received 59 per cent when he was first elected back in 1992.

Moments after the result was announced, Sir Alan told the Melton Times: “I’m pleased to have been re-elected with an increased majority.

“Conservative support remains very strong in Rutland and Melton.

“But, nationally, the picture is more confusing.

“We’ve lost seats in places but we’ve also done well in Scotland.”

He said he continued to back Prime Minister Theresa May despite the disappointing Tory showing which is almost certain to result in a

hung parliament.

Sir Alan wants Mrs May to continue in her post with the need to conduct Brexit negotiations in the near future.

He said: “We need continuity in our government at this time.

“I support Theresa May. I am a loyal Conservative.”

RESULT of 2017 voting in the Rutland and Melton constituency:

Sir Alan Duncan (Conservative) 36,169

Dr Heather Peto (Labour) 13,065

Ed Reynolds (Lib Dem) 4,711

John Scutter (UKIP) 1,869

Alastair McQuillan (Green) 1,755

Turnout: 73.42%

Spoiled ballot papers: 141