AS THE sun rose after a long night in Weaver Vale Conservative candidate Graham Evans celebrated a win by just 991 votes, ending years of Labour dominance in the constituency.

Emotional Graham Evans, who received 16,953 votes, joined his fellow candidates on the stage in the main hall at Northwich Memorial Hall as returning officer Noel O'Neil read the results at about 5am, more than three hours after the count began.

“The word unique has been applied to this election by many people in recent days and weeks, and in many ways that is true,” said Mr Evans.

He added: “To have been first selected and now elected to serve on David Cameron's team, embarking on that voyage, means more than I can say.

“No success in politics comes without a team effort and I want to acknowledge the unstinting support I have had from my chairman Charles Fifield, my agent Kathy Benn and my group of campaign directors Ralph Oultram, Gaynore Sinor, Simon Bury, Helen Weltman, John and Mark Bradshaw and indeed everyone of my helpers who have provided such magnificent back up.

“And of course I want to pay tribute to the patience, tolerance and understanding of my long suffering wife Cheryl and children George, Tom and Sophie.

“I meant every word I said during the run up to the election and I will not forget the promises that we have made.

“Finally the biggest thank you of all goes to all of you, for your votes, I will not let you down.”

The result came after a late drama when a bundle count was called after the votes were too close to call.

Dejected second place Labour candidate John Stockton, who received 15,962 votes, was magnanimous in defeat.

He said: “Thank you all for your patience. I would like to thank you the returning office and his staff for doing a fantastic job.”

23-year-old Liberal Democrat candidate Peter Hampson placed third with an impressive 8,196 votes.

Best of the rest was BNP candidate Colin Marsh who mirrored the party's national popularity in Weaver Vale.