RICHARD Younger-Ross is out of parliament after representing Teignbridge for the Liberals Democrats for nine years.

In a cliff hanger result, victory was snatched by Conservative Anne-Marie Morris for the new seat of Newton Abbot, which replaces Teignbridge.

Only 523 votes separated the two main contenders. A bundle recount was called after provisional results were shown to the candidates. But half-an-hour later the Liberal Democrats conceded defeat.

In her victory speech, Mrs Morris paid tribute to her rival and said he would be a hard act to follow. 'This marks a real turning point. I hope this will be reflected on a big scale in Westminster,' she said.

Afterwards she said: 'I feel just so pleased and so privileged. It is a fantastic thing to be elected to represent over 60,000 people and it is a huge responsibility and one that I take very seriously.'

Throughout the campaign Mr Younger-Ross had said it was a very close fight. Conceding defeat he said: 'It was not to be. That is life. We move on.'

A clearly disappointed Mr Younger-Ross thanked the electorate of Teignbridge for giving him the honour of serving them for nine years.

'I will continue to work for the cause of justice, continue to work for local people and continue to work for a fairer society,' said Mr Younger-Ross.

He thanked his staff, volunteers and supporters as well as acting returning officer Nicola Bulbeck and the Teignbridge Council staff.

His majority of 6,215 over the Tories in 2005 was wiped out in the new constituency. The new Newton Abbot constituency is smaller by several thousand but according to BBC figures, the boundary changes should have made little difference.

As the count proceeded it was clear from the despondent body language of the Liberal Democrat supporters that Mr Younger-Ross was in trouble. He did not arrive at the count until 2.15am, an hour before the results were announced.

Full results: Patrick Canavan (Lab) 3,387, Jackie Hooper (UKIP) 3,088, Corinne Lindsey (Green) 701, Anne-Marie Morris (Con) 20,774, Keith Sharp (Ind) 82, Richard Younger-Ross (Lib Dem) 20,251

Conservative majority 523 70 % turnout 76 rejected ballot papers Total electorate 69,319