TORY Jackie Doyle-Price made it a hattrick of Thurrock General Election wins, adding to her 2010 and 2015 victories.

Ms Doyle-Price fended off a strong challenge from Labour rival John Kent to snatch the seat from his grasp, by just 345 votes - polling 19,880 votes to Mr Kent's 19,535

Tim Aker, Ukip candidate for Thurrock, finished a distant third with 10,112 votes.

Kevin McNamara, Liberal Democrat candidate, polled just 798 votes.

Come declaration time, Ms Doyle-Price and Mr Kent were the only remaining candidates at the Backstage Centre, in Purfleet.

Mr Aker opting to retreat before the results were announced, and Mr McNamara failed to show up.

Speaking following her victory, Ms Doyle-Price said: "Well, here I am again.

"No one expected me to win first time around, nobody expected me to win a second time, I didn't expect to win a third time - it's honouring and humbling to serve Thurrock.

"I would like to pay tribute to John, he run me very close, he is a big beast in Thurrock politics - we should show him our respects."

Ms Doyle-Price urged caution for the Tories amid political uncertainty nationally - her party look odds on to fail in securing a majority.

Mr Kent warmly congratulated Ms Doyle-Price on her win, but warned he will "continue to scrutinise her."

He said: "I am not going anywhere, I think there is every chance we will be back here before the end of the year.

"I will be making sure I hold you to account."