Norman Baker stormed to victory for his third term as Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes.

The battle for Lewes was considered a two-horse race between Mr Baker and Tory candidate Rory Love but in the end the Lib Dems secured a 8,474 majority.

Mr Baker, who arrived at the polling station at 3am, became Sussex's only Lib Dem MP when he took the seat from sitting Conservative Tim Rathbone in 1997.

The turnout was 69.74 per cent, beating the 68.7 per cent of 2001.

Mr Baker said: "We have held the seat with a substantial majority, so I must be doing something right. I will continue to do the right thing for my constituency.

"We are doing very well nationally and are now in a strong position to challenge Labour in four years' time. Now I am going to go home and have a cup of tea."

Mr Love said: "I would like to set aside party political differences and congratulate the MP for Lewes and wish him well."

Elected: Norman Baker (LD) 24,376 Not elected: Rory Love (C) 15,902, Richard Black (L) 4,169, Susan Murray (G) 1,071, John Petley (UKIP) 1,034.

Turnout: 69.74 per cent.

Majority: 8,474