MP Michael WillsMICHAEL Wills limped to victory to secure the North Swindon seat for the third time.

The Labour MP is vowing to help his party listen to the needs of the country during his next term in office.

He praised his hard-working team for helping him beat off the Tories even though the majority had fallen from 8,105 votes in 2001 to just under 2,500 this morning.

But the former Junior Minister refused to be drawn on whether he would accept another role in the Government if Gordon Brown ever became Prime Minister.

"Over the last few weeks I have become more aware than ever the challenges which this town and country face," he said.

"There is no easy answer to these challenges. We must now listen and respond to the needs of the country."

Labour won 43.7 per cent of the vote compared to 52.9 per cent last time with a 6.7 per cent swing in favour of the Tories.

Mike Evemy, representing the Liberal Democrats won 15.2 per cent of the vote, Robert Tingey, of the UK Independence Party, came next with 2.2 per cent and Andy Newman of the Socialist Unity followed with 0.5 per cent.

Ernest Reynolds, independent, came in last with 0.4 per cent of the vote.

"I knew the majority was going to come down," said Mr Wills. "What is significant is that the Liberal Democrat vote has gone up.

"Obviously, I'm very pleased that I will be representing the town again.

"I feel very pleased that people have put their trust in me to represent them again and I hope I live up to this trust.

"This win was down to great teamwork. Everyone walked the streets and answered phones until they ached and I would like to thank them.

"I would also like to thank my opponents for what has been, in the most part, an even and fair contest"

In terms of policies, Mr Wills said there would be no drastic changes to his approach.

During his pre-election campaign he focussed on what Labour had achieved since coming to power in 1997, including improving the economy.

"When I went around doorsteps in the town I didn't get a sense that people wanted me to do anything very different," said Mr Wills.

"I will carry on serving to the best of my ability. We must not be complacent."

The Labour MP's prediction of a close finish was clear at the beginning of the night when he said: "I'm not confident at all.I'm feeling philosophical at this stage because many people vote according to what they see on the television- the difference you can make locally is quite small."

Results

Michael Wills (Lab) 19,612

Justin Tomlinson (Con) 17,041

Mike Evemy (Lib Dem) 6,831

Robin Tingey (UKIP) 998

Andy Newman (Socialist Unity) 208

Ernie Reynolds (Ind) 195

Turnout: 61.82 per cent

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