NIGEL Farage has been elected an MP for the first time as he stormed to a thumping win in Clacton on a devastating night for the Tories.
The Reform leader was finally successfully in his long-running bid for Parliament after seven previous unsuccessful attempts.
By Martina Bet, Political Correspondent
NIGEL Farage’s main goal during the election campaign was to inflict maximum damage to the Tories.
Early results show he has been successful, with Reform eating into the Conservative vote across the country.
While support for the party is too evenly spread to win many seats, it is undeniable “the people’s revolt” has split the rightwing vote and cost the Tories many seats.
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is one of the many who could have retained his seat had Farage’s party not stood.
But now that mission is accomplished, what comes next?
The Brexit champion let it slip during his victory speech: becoming the thorn in Labour’s side.
He issued a stark warning to Sir Keir Starmer, insisting there is no “enthusiasm” for him and that his Government will be “in trouble” very quickly.
Farage also made it clear he wants to use Reform’s results as a springboard for the next election.
He wants to build what he calls a “mass national movement” in order to become a “big enough challenge” for Labour in 2029. Lots of Brexit-voting constituencies are set to return to Sir Keir’s party today.
With a track record of smashing up the status quo in British politics and his new powerful platform in Parliament, Sir Keir should not -in any way- underestimate the Reform surge.
Reform has so far bagged four seats – falling short of the 13 predicted in the exit poll.
But Brexiteer Farage – who has vowed to lead a political revolution – hailed the “truly extraordinary” results for his fledgling party.
Reform chairman Richard Tice and defector Lee Anderson also won their constituencies in gains from the Conservatives.
Speaking after winning an 8,000 majority, he said: “What is interesting is there’s no enthusiasm for Labour. There’s no enthusiasm for Starmer whatsoever…
On a historic night:
“In fact about half of the vote is simply an anti-conservative vote.
“This Labour Government will be in trouble very, very quickly.”
Huge cheers went up in Clacton Town Hall as Farage was elected as an MP on the eighth time of trying.
He saw off the well-respected Giles Watling, who will now retire after seven years in Westminster.
The polls were right and Farage was over the line by 8,405 votes.
Farage said his Reform party’s performance in the General Election was “truly extraordinary” after his win in Clacton.
He added: “There is a massive gap on the centre-right of British politics and my job is to fill it.”
SIR Keir Starmer will be Britain’s next Prime Minister – and vowed to put “country first, party second”.
Labour has stormed into Downing Street after securing the required 326 seats in a Tory wipeout.
In a celebratory speech to rapturous applause from supporters, Sir Keir said the UK was waking up to “the sunlight of hope”.
He added: “Thank you truly – you have changed our country! But a mandate like this comes with great responsibility. Our task is… national renewal.”
He had walked into the room hand in hand with his wife Victoria.
Sir Keir added: “We have to restore politics to public service. Service is the precondition for hope, respect the bonds that can unite a country.”
To loud cheers from the crowd, he added: “Country first party second.”
Rishi Sunak held onto his seat of Richmond and Northallerton and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt narrowly won Godalming and Ash.
But speaking at his count in Yorkshire, the PM admitted power would “change hands” later on today.
He said: “The Labour Party has won this general election. And I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country’s stability, and future.
“The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss.”
He added: “I will now head down to London where I will say more about tonight’s results. Before I leave the job as prime minister, to which I have given my all.
“I will then return here to my family’s home, and I look forward to spending more time with you all. In the weeks, months and years ahead.”
Farage said it was “the first step of something that is going to stun all of you” and “we are coming for Labour”.
He said his first-ever win as an MP shows “something very fundamental” is happening.
“I promise that I will do my absolute best as a member of parliament.
“I have 20 years as an MEP but it’s not quite the same link or same responsibility with constituents,” he said.
“It’s four weeks and three days since I decided to come out of retirement and throw my hat in the ring.
“I think what Reform UK has achieved in just those few short weeks is truly extraordinary.
“Given we had no money, no branch structure, virtually nothing across the country, we’re going to come second in hundreds of constituencies, how many seats we’re going to win – I don’t know.
“But to have done this in such a short space of time says something very fundamental is happening.”
Reform failed to claim victory in Barnsley South, with Stephanie Peacock clinching the seat with 16,000 votes.
