EDDISBURY Conservative candidate Stephen O'Brien reveals he purposely didn't arrive until the count had started to avoid "people looking over his shoulder"

He said: "I don't like standing around like a spare part, so decided not to arrive until after the verification and the count had started. It is very awkward when people are looking over your shoulder and watching what you are doing"

He has been joined at the count by his father, who has come to every count since 1991. His wife is also here to support him, but his children are tucked up in bed.

He said: "I am delighted with the high turn out.It is nearly 10% up on last year this shows country needs change and I hope this is the start of the change."