Rupert Lowe wins Great Yarmouth seat for Reform UK

The night of Mr Lowe's victory began with a beautiful pink sunset over Breydon Water. And ended with his two main rivals making a quick exit following their defeat.

Mr Lowe said his win - and that of Reform's leader Nigel Farage in Clacton - marks the beginning of their plan to "change Westminster for the better".

The sun setting over Breydon Water shortly before the count began. (Image: James Weeds) "This is a huge, seismic event in British political history, to break into the two-party state as the people's army is massive," he said.

"It shows that people have had enough, they want change, they want better government and they want freedom.

"My job is to reform Westminster with other members of the Reform Party."

Rupert Lowe shortly after being announced as the new MP for Great Yarmouth. (Image: James Weeds) Locally, Mr Lowe said his party can rebuild the fishing industry and the fish processing industry.

When asked what he will try to change first in Great Yarmouth, Mr Lowe said: "The first thing is to get into Westminster and be sworn in as an MP and then we'll work out what we're going to do from there."

Rupert Lowe chatting with GYBC chief Sheila Oxtoby at the ballot count. (Image: James Weeds) The new MP, who currently lives in the Cotswolds, said he aims to buy a property in the borough.

"But there will be work to do in London as well," he added.

"But people will see me around."

Inside the Town Hall during the ballot count. (Image: James Weeds) The mood inside the Town Hall was abuzz at 9pm. But, following the exit polls an hour later, there were many concerned looks on the faces of local Tories and Labour agents.

When Conservative candidate James Clark and Labour's Kier Cozens arrived at the main hall just before the announcement, they refused to comment.

Mr Cozens - whose campaign trail included several big hitters from Labour - was quietly waiting for the announcement surrounded by members of his party.

Following Mr Lowe's victory speech, Mr Cozens made a quick exit. Mr Clark soon followed but through a different door.

Labour Candidate Keir Cozens shortly before the results. (Image: James Weeds) WHAT DOES LABOUR AND THE CONSERVATIVES HAVE TO SAY?

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader and Conservative Carl Smith said of the defeat: "We're gutted.

"The people have spoken. Let's see how we get on.

"But we'll be back and the comeback starts now."

GYBC leader and Conservative Carl Smith. (Image: James Weeds) Great Yarmouth Labour leader Trevor Wainwright said Mr Cozens had fought a good campaign, trailing only 1,400 votes behind Mr Lowe.

"I'm very disappointed," he said.

"We fought a very fair and positive campaign. I don't think we could have done any more. It's democracy and we live with that.

"We ran him close. Another 1,500 votes, we would have taken it."

Great Yarmouth Labour leader Trevor Wainwright. (Image: James Weeds) Commenting on the 55.74pc of eligible voters who went to the ballots this election, Mr Wainwright accepted voters are disenfranchised.

"Hopefully some trust can be brought back into politics nationally," he said.

"We're trying do a job for the people that we represent. We're not all corrupt and bent as some people would like to make out."

Great Yarmouth Town Hall. (Image: James Weeds) RESULTS

Catherine Blaiklock (ED) 171

Paul Brown (IND) 230

James Clark (C) 10,034

Keir Cozens (L) 12,959

Rupert Lowe (Reform) 14,385

Trevor Rawson (Green) 1,736

Clare Roullier (IND) 131

Fiona Tod (LD) 1,102

Total: 40,748

121 Rejected

Turnout: 55.74pc