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Only one of Dorset’s constituencies is now not blue with the remaining Mid-Dorset and North Poole seat staying with Annette Brooke of the Liberal Democrats. This however was also extremely closely challenged by Tory Nick King, there was even a rumoured likelihood of a recount to strain nerves further.

The turnout was the highest in decades with queues noted at several stations – particularly those in Mid-Dorset indicating Clegg’s lauded performance on the televised debates had motivated voters to back his party. In addition the number of students turning up to the ballot gave rise to speculation that the young in particular were keen to support the Liberals against a Tory threat.

With just 269 votes in it, Brooke called for a repair to the ‘broken voting system’ referring to the recent boundary changes and their impact on vote distribution.