General election 2024 Terry Jermy wins South West Norfolk

The result, originally expected to be announced at 5.30am, was delayed until almost 7am.

As journalists gathered around the stage, the BBC said it had received "a strong indication" Ms Truss had lost.

While the other eight candidates waited for the result to be announced, there was speculation Ms Truss might not appear.

Candidates wait for Liz Truss to take to the stage (Image: Chris Bishop)

There were slow hand-claps and a shout of: "Has anyone got a lettuce."

Then she appeared, ashen faced, and stood to await her fate. There were loud cheers as the result was announced, before Mr Jermy gave his acceptance speech.

(Image: Press Association)

He said voters should never be taken for granted and overnight they had voted for change.

He added being elected was the honour of his life and he would do all he could to serve his constituents.

Candidates wait for Liz Truss to take to the stage (Image: Chris Bishop)

Afterwards, he added he became more positive as the campaign wore on.

Ms Truss spoke briefly to the BBC before being pursued around the hall by a mob of photographers and camera crews before she left. 

South West Norfolk was previously considered the seventh-safest Tory seat, with a majority of 26,195 after the last election.

As well as those who turned to Labour many disaffected Conservatives would have switched their allegiance to Independent James Bagge, who was highly-critical of the lack of time Ms Truss had spent in her constituency after her failed premiership.

(Image: Press Association)

Terry Jermy (L) 11,847

Liz Truss (C) 11,217

Tobias McKenzie (Ref) 9,958

Josie Ratcliffe (LD) 2,618

James Bagge (Ind) 6,282

Pallavi Devulapalli (G) 1,838
Earl Elvis of East Anglia (MRLP) 630

Gary Conway (Heritage) 160
Lorraine Douglas (Com) 77

Majority: 630 Turnout: 61.2pc

(Image: Press Association)