THE newly returned Labour MP for Harrow West said it is an “honour” to continue representing the borough where he grew up.

Gareth Thomas was re-elected at just after 6am this morning, beating Tory challenger Dr Rachel Joyce into second place.

In his victory speech, Mr Thomas paid tribute to his campaign team and thanked his fellow candidates for a fair spirited campaign.

He said: “I am delighted, this is the seat where I grew up, and I have the honour of continuing to serve the people of Harrow West.

“I have lived in the area all my life, my family and friends still live here and I have the sense of delight of being re-elected.

“It has been a huge effort my team has put in to get the seat, and it was a good contest that was always good natured, with lively exchanges at times between the five candidates and I pay tribute to them.”

Mr Thomas, who was first elected to Parliament in 1997, said his priorities in his next term of office are to “champion the modernisation of Northwick Park Hospital”, to help develop a clear plan for Harrow town centre, and to continue campaigning against cuts to the police force.

Dr Joyce, speaking after the result was announced, also thanked her campaign team, and said despite the defeat she was pleased her campaigns for better health services and against the closure of Post Offices had made a difference.

She added: “I am sure in the next election, people will again support the Conservative Party and hope to deliver change.”

Lib Dem Chris Noyce came third in the Harrow West seat, with UKIP's Herbie Crossman in fourth and Green Party candidate Rowan Langley in fifth.

The full results for the Harrow West constituency can be found here