RACHEL Maclean has retained the Redditch seat for the Conservative Party.
Mrs Maclean received 23,652 votes, some 7,000 votes more than her nearest rival, Rebecca Blake of the Labour Party.
In her victory speech she thanked the people of Redditch for coming out and voting whichever party they supported, particularly given the recent terrorist attacks.
Mrs Maclean spoke of her delight in holding the Conservative seat for Redditch and thanked her many supporters.
As the final figures were announced, a loud cheer erupted from the members of the Redditch Conservative party and her victory was secured.
After much hugging and smiling, she said: “I am absolutely delighted.
“I feel quite overwhelmed and honestly it hasn’t sunk in yet.
“I’m very excited to be able to put all the hard work, dedication and passion that went into the campaign into this job. I am looking forward to serving the people of Redditch and I want to serve the community in the best possible way.
“My family have been so integral to the success of this campaign – my husband is probably my biggest canvasser, and my children have embraced it wholeheartedly.
“As soon as possible I will be moving my family to Redditch and making it our home.
“I’m a Midlands girl, through and through, and we’ll be looking to become a real part of the Redditch community.
“We’re very excited to be putting our manifesto into action and I am looking forward to doing my best for Redditch.”
She also promised to take action on the main issues important to the people of the town – including the Alex.
She added: “I would love to work with Neal (Stote, National Health Action Party) and work towards a positive future for the hospital.”
A visibly disappointed Rebecca Blake said she was looking to the future: “We are here to build and we look forward to the next election, whenever that might be.
“People are unhappy with the last two years and across the country more people are turning to us.
“I know the people of Redditch are unhappy with cuts to our hospital and the lack of opportunities for our youngsters.
“The tide is beginning to turn and we will be fighting for more votes going forward.”
The full results:
Rebecca Blake (Labour Party) 16,289
Susan Juned (Liberal Democrat) 1,173
Rachel Maclean (Conservative Party) 23,652
Neal Stote (National Health Action Party) 2,239
Paul Swansborough (Ukip) 1,371
Kevin White (Green Party) 380
Sally Woodhall (Independent) 99
