Traditionally one of Labour’s safest seats, Mr Tami confessed to being anxious beforehand but the Conservatives were also strangely subdued as the ballot boxes were opened.
But when the results were called Sandycroft businessman Will Gallagher, managed to increase the Conservative vote from 8,896 five years ago to 12,885 - an increase of nearly 30%.
Mr Tami meanwhile polled 15,804 votes - that’s around 2,000 fewer votes than in 2005, allowing the Conservatives to make serious inroads.
He said: “Clearly this is something I will be addressing and will have to build upon.”
But he added: “I’m delighted to be elected, which is the most important thing.”
Apparently referring to his young son’s battle with leukaemia, he told the hall at Flint Pavilion: “This has been a very difficult three years for my family and I would like to thank the people of Alyn and Deeside for all their support.”
Conservative Mr Gallagher said the results had exceeded his expectations. I was really pleased it is a fantastic result.
The Welsh Assembly elections two years ago were a step in the right direction, but this is a giant leap.
“Now at the next election, the people of Alyn and Deeside know that it’s genuinely possible to get a Conservative MP.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Paul Brighton came in third place with 7,308 votes. He described Mr Tami as a ‘very fine person’ who he had ‘great respect’ for.
He said: “Of course we’re disappointed to come third again, but the vote has improved.”
Plaid Cymru’s Maurice Jones gained 1,549 votes. BNP candidate John Walker polled 1,368 and UKIP’s James Howson polled 1,009 votes.
