Jess Asato unveiled as new Lowestoft MP after close battle

New Lowestoft MP Jess Asato with Labour supporters. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The battle for Britain's most easterly seat was closely contested as Ms Asato polled just over 2,000 more votes than Conservative candidate Peter Aldous - who had been MP for the previous 14 years - and just over 4,000 more votes than Reform UK candidate June Mummery.

Reform UK candidate June Mummery at the Lowestoft election count. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Having been a parliamentary constituency for almost a century, the seat of Lowestoft was abolished for the 1983 general election and replaced by the Waveney seat.

But following the 2023 periodic review of Westminster constituencies, the Lowestoft seat has been revived for the first time since 1983.

Ballot boxes arrive at Waterlane Leisure Centre for the Lowestoft constituency count. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Upon being announced as its new MP, Ms Asato said: "I would like to pay tribute to my fellow candidates for their spirited campaign, and in particular to Peter Aldous - our outgoing MP.

Conservative candidate and outgoing MP, Peter Aldous, scrutinising the votes with a Conservative supporter at the Lowestoft election count. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Peter has been a dedicated MP who has modelled decency, diligence and service to community.

"I would also like to pay tribute to Bob Blizzard (former Labour MP for Waveney who had served the district between 1997 and 2010) - our previous Labour MP - a gentle giant and hugely missed."

Conservative Party, Labour Party and Green Party supporters during the election count at Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With the official turnout figure in the Lowestoft constituency being 56.4pc, counting began at Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft at 1.11am on Friday.

The sun sets ahead of a new dawn, ahead of the count at Waterlane Leisure Centre in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

As East Suffolk Council managed the UK Parliamentary elections count for the Lowestoft constituency, the result was eventually announced at 3.30am, after a total of 41,927 votes had been cast.

Counting under way at Waterlane Leisure Centre for the Lowestoft constituency count. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

On becoming new MP for Lowestoft, Ms Asato said: "To our residents across Lowestoft, Beccles and the villages who have placed their trust in me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Adam Robertson, Lib Dem candidate, and new Lowestoft MP Jess Asato at Waterlane Leisure Centre. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"I've said that I would lead by example and work tirelessly for our community - and that starts now.

"To those that did not vote for me I promise to be a strong voice for everyone in parliament - visible and accountable in our local communities."

Full results - Labour gain from Conservative:

Peter Aldous - Conservative 12,448
Jess Asato - Labour 14,464 
Toby Hammond - Green 3,095
June Mummery - Reform UK 10,328
Adam Robertson - Liberal Democrat 1,489