Phil Willis has won a third successive term as MP of Harrogate and Knaresborough, trouncing his Conservative challenger and increasing his majority to more than 10,000.

Tory hopes for a close result were dashed as they lost even more support and Mr Willis extended his majority by 1,584.

"See you in four years!" he shouted, suggesting he may intend to stand at the next election for a fourth term.

The man who snatched the traditionally safe Conservative seat in 1997, despite facing former Chancellor of the Exchequer Norman Lamont, hugged and kissed his wife, Heather, as the results came in at 2.30am.

Tory faithfuls were confident Maggie Punyer could pull back votes lost at the 2001 election, but their hopes were dashed.

Ms Punyer, who stared at the floor as the results were formally announced, said she was "obviously very disappointed".

With a swing of 1.7 per cent from Conservative to Liberal Democrat, Mr Willis polled 24,113 votes, up from 23,445 in 2001. His majority has increased each time, with 8,845 in 2001 and now 10,429.

The Tory vote continues to decline. Maggie Punyer polled 13,684, which is 2.7 per cent down on the 2001 figure of 14,600.

Labour's Lorraine Ferris was third with 3,627, Christopher Royston for UK Independence polled 845, Colin Banner for the British National Party 466 and John Allman for Alliance for Change: Restore People's Freedom 123.

After his victory, Mr Willis said: "I would like to thank the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough for their vote of confidence in me."

:: Harrogate and Knaresborough result

Phil Willis, (Lib Dem) 24,113

Maggie Punyer, (Conservative) 13,684

Lorraine Ferris, (Labour) 3,627

Christopher Royston, (UKIP) 845

Colin Banner, (BNP) 466

John Allman, (Alliance for Change) 123

Updated: 10:49 Friday, May 06, 2005