Almost a decade after being selected to fight the country’s safest Conservative seat, Rishi Sunak arrived grim-faced at Hambleton Leisure Centre facing a historic defeat party.
Flanked by his wife Akshata Murty and numerous protection officers, Mr Sunak ignored journalists’ questions as he marched into and away from the Richmond and Northallerton count, having spent the minimum amount of time at the venue before the result was announced.
It was clear Mr Sunak wasn’t stopping to greet any of his supporters or constituents as reporters asked him if the timing of the election had been a mistake.
Returning officer Barry Khan declared Mr Sunak had retained his seat, but the Tory leader’s despondent demeanour did not change as he walked to the rostrum to make his acceptance speech.
What came next though appeared to take all in the hall with a degree of surprise as Mr Sunak conceded the election, saying he had phoned Keir Starmer to congratulate him and that he was heading for London to clear out from Downing Street.
He also moved to quash speculation that he would stand down as an MP following what he described as a “difficult” night for the Conservatives, saying he intended to serve the constituency for years to come.
Ahead of his arrival, there had been a lively atmosphere at the count as colourfully dressed supporters of Count Binface, of the Count Binface Party and Sir Archbibald Stanton, of the Monster Raving Loony Party, announced their main aim to “have fun”.
Dressed in a long silver cape with a bin covering his head Count Binface said the main issue he was grappling with was how to scratch his nose.
He said he aimed to increase his best election return of 249 votes while Sir Archibald told reporters he had targeted the sitting prime minister’s seat for the publicity.
However, it was the supporters of Independent candidate, Youtuber Niko Omilana, wearing matching multi-coloured sunglasses, who drew most attention in the hall, applauding each and every vote for their candidate, to the amusement of many.
Nevertheless, senior council officers said despite the lively atmosphere they were determined to maintain the probity of the count, and issued a warning as he began live streaming beside the ranks of counters. Later, police officers were seen studying the contents of his phone.
Besides the revelry, other candidates were trying to maintain their composure. Labour’s Tom Wilson said he was had been buoyed by a pleasant campaign which had seen his party win significant pockets of support.
He said: “I’m hoping to build on it after the election. In three years’ time there’s local elections in North Yorkshire and they’ll be active, passionate people in the constituency ready to fight for those seats.”
Former soldier and Reform candidate Lee Taylor also appeared upbeat as the counting continued, but said while he was disappointed the electors had “voted for failure” he had scored more votes than either the Tories or Labour in Scotton, near Catterick Garrison.
He said: “We need better people for our parliament to function correctly.”
Rishi retained his seat, albeit with a reduced majority of just over 12,000 – down from 27,000 in 2019.
The former PM used his speech after the result was announced at Northallerton Leisure Centre to concede defeat, saying he had already rung Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer to congratulate him.
The former PM also said he would now return to London tonight, before returning to his constituency.
Despite suggestions Mr Sunak might now stand down as an MP, he said he was looking forward to representing the constituency for the “weeks, months and years ahead”.
The MP said: “On this difficult night, I’d like to express my gratitude to the people of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support.
“Since I moved here a decade ago you have made me and my family so at home and I look forward to continuing to serve as your member of parliament. It is an enormous privilege.”
He added: “The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Si Kier Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly way with goodwill on all sides. That is something which should give us confidence in our country’s stability.
“The British people have delivered a covering verdict tonight. There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss.
“To the many good hardworking Conservative candidates who lost tonight despite their tireless efforts, their local records of delivery and their dedication to their communities I am sorry.
“I will now head down to London where I will say more about tonight’s result before I leave the job of Prime Minister for which I have given my all.
“I shall then return here to my family’s home and look forward to spending more time with you all in the weeks, months and years ahead.”
Labour’s Tom Wilson was second with 10,874 votes and Lee Taylor, from Reform, third with 7,142.
Here are the full results:
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