CONSERVATIVE candidate Nick Ramsay has said he is feeling “quietly confident” that the Monmouthshire Assembly seat will remain under a Conservative majority.

The votes have been verified at Chepstow Leisure Centre, and are now being counted. A result is expected to be announced before 5am.

Mr Ramsay’s confidence comes amidst speculation from many that Labour will hold on to a majority in the Assembly, as current results from around the country show the traditional party has taken fourteen seats, Plaid Cymru has claimied two and Conservatives two.

Mr Ramsay said: “Wales is quite set in its ways politically.

“The way the Assembly works, it is difficult to make changes quickly.

“The Conservative vote is looking very strong so far across Wales, and has improved year on year. If we step back now it will be disappointing.

“I’m making a prediction that the Conservatives will win a majority in the Assembly, but maybe not all the seats they need. I’m quietly confident that I’ll be re-elected in Monmouthshire from what I can see here so far.”

On the strong voting turnout across the county, Catherine Fookes, candidate for Labour, said: “People are perhaps realising more about what the Welsh Assembly can do for them.”