The Conservatives have lost their hold of the Congleton constituency, which includes Sandbach, for the first time in its 41 year history.

Congleton has been a stronghold for the Conservative Party since its creation in 1983 but Conservative MP, Fiona Bruce has lost her seat to Labour's Sarah Russell. 

Sarah Russell scored 18,875 votes to take the seat from Fiona Bruce with a score of 15,488. Fiona Bruce had held the seat since 2010.

Matters were held up briefly while a bundle recount was ordered before the results were delivered as many in the constituency were waking up to go to work.

Congleton's new MP, Sarah Russell said her focus would be on making the area "an even better place", thanking Fiona Bruce for her 14 years service to the constituency.

"This victory is for people who spoke to me on the doorstep. You voted for change and it's coming," said Sarah Russell in her victory speech.  

She said previously: "I'd like a Labour government that will bring stable leadership, and a plan to drive economic growth so we can deliver on what matters: the NHS, education, cleaning up our rivers, investing in clean energy to tackle the cost of living crisis, reforming leasehold, retaining the triple lock, and continuing the planned expansion of free childcare places." 

Fiona Bruce has lost her seat to Sarah Russell. (Photo: Fiona Bruce)

Bruce became an MP for the Congleton Constituency in the 2010 General Election when she polled 23,250 votes taking over from the previous Conservative MP, Ann Winterton. 

Seven candidates battled it out in yesterday's election:

Results in full:

Sarah Russell (Labour) - 18,875 

Fiona Bruce (Conservative) - 15,488 

Rob Moreton (Independent) - 2,181 

Paul Duffy (Liberal Democrats) - 2,785 

Kay Wesley (Women's Equality Party) - 544

Richard McCarthy (Green Party) - 2,007 

Martin York (Reform UK) 8,245

Congleton had always been considered a Conservative stronghold until yesterday's General Election.

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