Newly re-elected MP for Carlisle John Stevenson said he was “delighted” to be returned as the city’s representative in Parliament.

Having first been elected in the city seat in 2010 with a majority of just 853 votes, he has now been elected for a fourth time to the House of Commons with a majority of almost 10 times that - 8,319.

With a smile on his face, Mr Stevenson said: “I’m delighted at the result, to be honest I think it's going to take a little while to properly sink in. I'm slightly shellshocked at the result to be honest."

He said that now with a Tory majority in Parliament, there are a number of changes he believed can be achieved in the county.

“I think there’s an opportunity with regards to devolution, and I think this has been a long time coming in Cumbria,” he said.

“There’s a real opportunity for a unitary authority in Cumbria, and possibly an elected mayor.

“I think the other thing is to make sure that this government approaches the north in a different way, and actually looks to invest in the north and help rebalance the national economy.

“But of course, the first priority is delivering on Brexit as soon as possible. With a Conservative majority in Parliament, we can now do just that.”

Labour candidate Ruth Alcroft secured fewer votes tonight than the first time she stood for the seat, in 2017.

"I feel drained," she said.

"There are going to be more people suffering because of the Government we've elected tonight."