It was the worst-ever general election result in North Devon for the Labour Party, who polled just 5.2% of the vote.

Labour's share of the vote in the constituency has been almost decimated in the past 60 years, from a high of 28.17% in 1951, down to 15.89% in 1966, then 11.19% in 1979 and 5.86% in 1992.

Labour's share of the vote rallied slightly in 1997 and 2001, to 9.76% and 10.1% respectively, but was back on a downward trend in 2005, to 8.97%.

The Labour candidate, Mark Cann, said this area had never been a traditional Labour area the anti-Conservative vote had coalesced around the Liberal/Liberal Democrat vote.

Labour's result in North Devon was in line with neighbouring constituencies.

Mr Cann said: "I'm proud of what Labour has achieved in the last 13 years and I believe that North Devon has benefited considerably from a Labour government.

"So of course I'm disappointed that the Labour vote has fallen here but not altogether surprised given the national trend.

"What we have also seen here is a respected and popular local MP returned to parliament with the help of many Labour supporters who were determined not to let North Devon fall to the Conservatives.

"I hope that the will of the progressive majority in North Devon will prevail as we enter the uncertainties of the months ahead. It is vital that the economic recovery is not undermined, which is my fear if the Conservative's economic plans are enacted."