It's a Welsh Conservative victory for the Monmouth seat in the general election. David Davies MP has held on to his position with 23,701 votes.

76% per cent of the county turned out to place their vote yesterday (7th May) – an increase from 72% in 2010 that was described by Returning Officer Paul Matthews as: "A victory for democracy".

Mr Davies said: "I'd like to thank all members of Monmouthshire County Council, and thank you to my wife, who is very long-suffering.

"Thank you to the Conservative Society, all my good friends and colleagues.

"This was a good-natured and fair campaign. We all put our views across, and all parties here have a reason to be happy.

"The good thing here is, we were able to decide these things in a room with a ballot paper, and not at the end of a gun, as is sadly the norm in some countries."

Peter Fox, leader of Monmouthshire County Council, was pleased with the amicable election run up. He said: "This has been a really enjoyable campaign.

"It's not been hostile or negative and it's been good to see more people getting involved, particularly younger people.

"It's been an excellent turnout for the constituency, and I'm glad that we are in such a strong position."

Following Mr Davies in the results was Welsh Labour candidate Ruth Jones with 12,719 votes.

Gareth Dunn, of UKIP, received 4,942 votes; Veronica German, from the Liberal Democrats received 2,496 votes; Plaid Cymru's Jonathan Clark received 1,875 votes, Christopher Were from the Green Party received 1,629 votes; and Stephen Morris from the English Democrats received 100 votes.

104 voting slips were unable to be entered into the final count as they had been de-faced, or filled in incorrectly.

Vote counting was held in Chepstow Leisure Centre until 4.30am when the declaration was made.