Robbie Moore has defied the odds to win re-election in Keighley and Ilkley, despite a Labour landslide nationally.
Mr Moore polled 18,589 votes, ahead of Labour's John Grogan, with 16,964.
The local MP becoming the first Conservative Member of Parliament elected under a Labour national government since the creation of the seat in 1885, and just the third person since 1959 to buck the national trend after the seat bucked to the left in 1979 and 2017.
Mr Moore's vote share of 40.3% outperformed the average Conservative vote share nationally by 16.3%.
The national 10pm exit poll put the likelihood of a Labour gain in Keighley and Ilkley at "99%+", with all major MRP's before the general election forecasting a Labour victory
Reacting to the win, Robbie Moore MP said:
“I’m extremely grateful to everyone who put their faith in me to continue standing up for you. It really was an odds-defying night and I’d like to pay a special thanks to the many residents who I know voted for the first time or broke decades-long party voting traditions to see me re-elected.
One thing I’ve learnt in public service is to take absolutely nothing for granted, and my commitment to everyone, no matter our politics, is to work tirelessly with continued energy and enthusiasm over the years ahead to make sure local voices are heard down in Westminster.
We all want our new government to succeed, and I look forward to working with them on the priorities people here in Keighley and Ilkley have voted for, including making sure we deliver on the record investment I fought hard to secure for our town, finishing the rebuild of our new Airedale Hospital by 2030 and having a say on taking back our independence from Bradford Council, which I truly believe will lead to a fairer future for all in our District.”
