Mr Moss, who was standing in his fifth general election, secured 24,181 votes, beating Labour challenger, Ffinlo Costain, into second place with 15,280 votes.

Mr Moss had a majority of 8,901 votes, an increase over the 2001 election where he had a lead of 6,373.

He said "It was a privilege and honour yet again to be selected by the electorate.

"I've done 18 years so far and I am looking forward to another term."

Commenting on the national events, Mr Moss said he felt what was happening was interesting.

He added that the Tories might "well be back again" in less than four years.

Mr Moss also thanked party workers and his wife, Sonya, who had been with him on the campaign trail.

Mr Costain also thanked his party workers for their hard work.

He said: "I have really enjoyed the campaign.

"I would like to thank all my dedicated supporters for all their hard work.

"Although it was not the best result, people had at least been able to make a choice in an informed way."

He added he felt the Labour campaign had really brought the party back again in the area.

Liberal Democrat candidate Alan Dean secured 8,693 votes, with the UK Independence Party candidate Len Baynes polling 2,723.

Alan Dean, who described himself as the "new kid on the block", congratulated Mr Moss, and said he had had an enjoyable time.

He added: "The Liberal Democrat vote in this constituency is now going up again."

Mr Baynes described his party as small and new, but growing every day.

Thanking his supporters, he said: "I would like to thank the very small team who have really put themselves out."

The turn out at North-East Cambs was 60 per cent.

A total of 182 ballot papers were spoiled.

The count was held at the Hudson Sports Centre, in Wisbech, and the result was announced just before 4am.


The ballot box

Malcolm Moss (C) 24,181
Ffinlo Costain (Lab) 15,280
Alan Dean (LD) 8,693
Leonard Baynes (UKIP) 2,723

Majority: 8,901
Turnout: 59.8%

Tory HOLD
Cambridgeshire North East