LONG-serving MP Sir John Butterfill held off a strong challenge from the Liberal Democrats to secure another term representing Bournemouth West.

While all eyes were on the perceived marginal seat of Bournemouth East, Sir John was elected on a reduced majority of 4,031.

It means that Bournemouth West is now the most vulnerable seat in the town but that may not bother Mr Butterfill, who hinted he may stand down at the next election.

The Liberal Democrat candidate, Bournemouth councillor Richard Renaut, said he was delighted to cut the Conservative majority by around 700 votes and propel his party back into second place.

Sir John, who has now held the seat for 22 years, said: "I'm elated. It's been a very tiring campaign and we're all exhausted but very happy.

"I'm very grateful to the people of Bournemouth West for the confidence they have shown in me again.

"This will make it 26 or 27 years before I possibly hang up my boots but I've not made a decision on that yet."

He put his reduced majority down to the UK Independence Party candidate Michael Maclaire-Hillier, who polled 2,017 votes.

And he said local Conservative party workers concentrated their efforts on helping Tobias Ellwood secure victory in Bournemouth East.

"It's more or less the same majority that I had before," he said. "A lot of candidates tonight would be very happy to be able to say that.

"I think tonight has been a good night for the Conservative party nationally and a good night for Bournemouth West.

"Plus, Tobias has secured an outstanding victory in Bournemouth East, which shows that Bournemouth works together."

The Labour candidate, Dafydd Williams received 7,824 votes - a substantial decrease on the 9,699 the party polled in 2001, when they finished second to the Conservatives.

Cllr Renaut said he would like to stand in Bournemouth West again and said he was "hopeful" for the future.

"We've moved up a long way and we are now very clearly the challengers to the Conservatives," he said. "It leaves us well positioned for the next election.

"We knew that Sir John Butterfill was well established and this is the first time I have stood in Bourne-mouth West. The scene is set now, the reduced majority now means this seat is fairly marginal."

Bournemouth West

John Butterfill (Con) 14,057

Richard Renaut (LibDem) 10,026

Dafydd Williams (Lab) 7,824

Michael Maclaire-Hillier (UKIP) 2,017

Majority 4,031 - Hold