Labour's sitting MP Michael Foster marched to a third term in Hastings and Rye but saw his majority cut following a partial recount.
Hastings-born solicitor Mr Foster polled 18,107 votes, just ahead of Conservative rival Mark Coote, who gained 16,081.
It means Mr Foster's 4,308 majority has been cut to just 2,026 ahead of the Tories and third-placed Lib Dem hopeful Richard Stevens.
However, victory for Mr Foster, 59, meant he retained the seat he first won in 1997. He said he would enter the new Parliament with renewed vigour, promising to redouble efforts to ensure regeneration lifts Hastings from the doldrums.
He said: "It's truly remarkable that Hastings and Rye we have won this seat for a third term but I am not smug."
Elected: Michael Foster (L) 18,107 .
Not elected: Mark Coote (C) 16,081, Richard Stevens (LD) 6,479, Terry Grant (UKIP) 1,098, Sally Phillips (G) 1,032, John Ord-Clarke (Official Monster Raving Loony Party) 207.
Turnout: 59.1 per cent.
Majority: 2,026.
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