There was cause for celebration in the early hours when, as Labour swept to a landslide majority across the UK, the party picked up an historic win in the Ribble Valley.

Maya Ellis, the Labour candidate, will become her party's first MP in the constituency since its creation in 1983.

Her win signalled the end of an era for Conservative Nigel Evans, with the Deputy Speaker ousted after 32 years representing the rural seat.

Ms Ellis saw Labour's vote share rise by 7.3 per cent, as Mr Evans lost more than a quarter of his vote share, feeling the impact of the nation's antipathy towards the Tories.

A strong third-place showing for Reform UK - a common theme around the country - also hampered Mr Evans, as he lost to Ms Ellis by 856 votes.

Tory activists struck glum figures as the votes were countedTory activists struck glum figures as the votes were counted (Image: NQ staff)

Mr Evans said he was “disappointed” by the outcome of the ballot but said he is grateful for the opportunity to have represented the seat for 32 years.

He accepted his defeat gracefully and said hanging onto the seat for so long “was an achievement in itself”.

READ MORE: Results from East Lancashire seats in general election 2024

He said: “I hope the legacy that I leave is one where the constituency is in a better place than it was when I first came, and that I’ve helped thousands of people over the 32 years.”

When asked what his future plans are, he said: “Maybe work in consultancy in crisis management, and maybe the Conservative Party will be my first customer!”

Mr Evans described Ribble Valley as his “adopted home” and that it always will be his home.

After claiming victory, Labour's Maya Ellis said she pledges to build safer streets, put the NHS back on its feet and secure better opportunities for younger generations.

She acknowledged the fact it is the first time Labour has won in the constituency and thanked the people of Ribble Valley for their support.

Ms Ellis said: “I will do everything I can to deliver the change that you have voted for.

“It’s an incredible privilege to give back to my community who have given me so much.

"You have put your faith in me, voted for change and supported a Labour Party with a clear positive vision for the future.”

The full results from the Ribble Valley

  • Qasim Ajmi, independent, 1,273
  • John Carroll, Reform UK 8,524
  • Maya Ellis, Labour 18,177
  • Nigel Evans, Conservative 17,321

  • Caroline Montague, The Green Party1,727

  • John Potter, Liberal Democrats 5,001

Labour GAIN from the Conservatives