LABOUR'S Ian Lucas was returned as MP for Wrexham but with a much reduced majority.
Despite polling 13,993 votes, there was a swing of 6.9% to the Liberal Democrats, whose candidate Dr Tom Rippeth came second with 7,174 votes.
'I'm obviously very pleased to have been re-elected to serve Wrexham as the town's MP,' said Mr Lucas.
'There is much to be proud of in this town but there is always much to do, too.'
He added: 'I am glad I can return to some of the issues which I campaigned on in the previous Parliament - improved transport links on the Wrexham to Bidston line, renewable forms of energy such as the photovoltaic cells produced at Sharp, fair trade and the fight to end global poverty and many other vital concerns.
'There are several issues which I have already been working on which came up on the doorsteps such as council tax, the changing workforce in our town and dentistry provision which I will be working on with renewed emphasis.
'I can also continue my casework for constituents and take up new cases. That is a vital duty and one which I take very seriously.'
Liberal Democrat candidate Dr Tom Rippeth said: 'I am proud we have fought a positive campaign both nationally and locally and that we have stayed out of the mud-slinging that dominated the other parties' campaigns.
'We have achieved a good second place here in Wrexham, and succeeded in cutting the Labour majority from 11,000 in 2001 to under 7,000 this time. This gives us a very good springboard from which to fight the next General Election campaign to win.'
Third-placed Therese Coffey, who polled 6,079 votes, thanked the people of Wrexham for their support.
She said: 'Across the country, in Wrexham, Wales and Britain, I do believe the millions who voted Conservative sent a strong message to the Government and in the next four years I hope we will get some action on the things that matter to so many.'
'I also congratulate Ian Lucas on his re-election to the House of Commons as MP for Wrexham. Ian carries the hopes and fears of all the people and communities in our great town and I wish him well.'
