BRAKE HOLDS CARSHALTON AND WALLINGTON

2.07.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th May 2005

For the third time, Liberal Democrat Tom Brake has been returned to Parliament as the Member for Carshalton and Wallington with a majority of 1,068 voters. Tom won 17,357 votes, which represents 40.3 per cent of the total votes cast.

Speaking after the declaration of the result at Westcroft Leisure Centre, Tom said,

"I am proud of the campaign we have run in Carshalton and Wallington and nationally. Voters carefully considered the different visions set out by the political parties and they lent their support to the Liberal Democrats as a real alternative to Tony Blair's government. I am grateful to the voters for placing their trust in me for a third time. I will not let them down."

Tom lost no time in getting back to business. He will be holding his weekly constituency surgery this evening.

Tom added, "I urge any of my constituents, regardless of which party they supported, to call on me and my experienced team. We will offer any help or advice we can."

ENDS

Full results below:

Carshalton and Wallington

Result declared May 06 2005 02:47

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT HOLD - Tom Brake

Votes Share %

Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat 17,357 40.3

Ken Andrew, Conservative 16,289 37.8

Andrew Theobald, Labour 7,396 17.2

Francis Day, UK Independence Party 1,111 2.6

Bob Steel, Green Party 908 2.1

Liberal Democrat majority: 1,068

Time of declaration: May 06 2005 02:47

Turnout: 63.5 %