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There was jubilation for Labour across Caerphilly County Borough last night as the party won all three seats on offer and cruised to general election victory.

In what was the first general election since the constituency boundaries were redrawn, former Islwyn MP Chris Evans was elected to represent the Caerphilly seat in parliament – succeeding the retiring Sir Wayne David after 23 years of service.

Elsewhere, Ruth Jones was chosen to represent the new Newport West and Islwyn constituency, while Nick Smith was voted in to serve the new Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney seat.

It was a night that changed the political map of Britain, with seats across the country switching from blue to red in a Labour landslide that sends Sir Keir Starmer into 10 Downing Street.

The new Prime Minister declared the UK had “voted for change” and vowed to show “politics can be a force for good”.

On the other side of the coin, it was a devastating night for the Conservatives. Their majority disintegrated dramatically – with no Tory seats left remaining in Wales.

It was enough to see Rishi Sunak ousted as Prime Minister and resign as party leader.

Bowing out after 21 months in the job, Mr Sunak gracefully wished his successor luck, and apologised to Conservative candidates across the country for the historic defeat.

Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats claimed their highest-ever number of seats – 71 – while Nigel Farage entered parliament in his eighth attempt as his Reform party won four seats.

Also winning four seats was the Green Party – quadrupling their number of representatives in parliament.

In Wales, Plaid Cymru won four seats too, with the party hoping to use the campaign as a springboard for future success. But it was a whole different story for their counterparts in Scotland, the SNP – who lost 38 seats.

“Excited to get to work”

Speaking after his win, Caerphilly’s new MP Chris Evans told Caerphilly Observer: “I’m really excited to get to work. This is the first time for many years we will have a Labour government. I’ve been saying I’m going to fight this Tory government, but now we have got a chance to make a difference.”

His colleague Ruth Jones said she was “so proud” to become the first MP for the newly-created Newport West and Islwyn, and added: “Our Labour Party is focused on the priorities of working people and my promise is to represent you all. From Hollybush to Marshfield and Treowen to Allt yr Yn.”

Over in Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Nick Smith thanked residents for their support and said: “I will work hard for you and I look forward to the change we deserve. A chance to put our Labour values into action is all we’ve ever asked. Let’s get on with it.”

Wales’ First Minister Vaughan Gething congratulated Sir Keir on his win and said: “This is an exciting opportunity to reset the relationship with the UK Government and to deliver a new partnership with an ambitious vision for Wales’ future.

“Together, we’ll build a fairer, greener Wales.”

Full results in Caerphilly County Borough

Caerphilly – 52.84% turnout

Newport West and Islwyn – 55% turnout

Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney – 43% turnout