LIBERAL Democrat Claire Young overturned a 12,369-vote majority to oust the Tories’ Thornbury & Yate MP Luke Hall, who fired a parting shot at his own party.

Ms Young, the current leader of South Gloucestershire Council, a position she has said she would step down from if she won the Westminster seat, received 20,815 votes, 3,000 more than the Tory incumbent who was MP since 2015.

Reform UK beat Labour into third place with the Greens fifth.

In a speech following his defeat, Mr Hall said: “The desire for change has been great, and this is clearly a grave concern for the Conservative Party.

“Divided political parties focused on themselves, rather than the issues that matter to our constituents, get punished at the ballot box and quite rightly so.

“There will be much to reflect upon in the weeks and months ahead for the Conservative Party as it looks to rebuild.”

Tory Party deputy chairman Mr Hall said that representing the constituency had been a “very special privilege”.

He said: “I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Claire Young on her clear victory today.

“Claire is going to take up that responsibility and I will be right behind you cheering you on

“With both my head and my heart I will be willing you to succeed in the work that you do if you fight for our community in Parliament.”

Ms Young said: “Tonight is a truly historic night for the Liberal Democrats.

“It is a huge privilege to be elected to represent you in Parliament and I’m looking forward to standing up for everyone, however you voted.

“I will be a strong voice for our communities, especially on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, ending the sewage scandal and fixing the health and care crises.”

It was the third time Ms Young had contested the seat, having lost to Mr Hall in 2017 and 2019.

Former MP Steve Webb held Thornbury & Yate for the Lib Dems from 2010-15.

The full 2024 results were:

  • Claire Young (LD) 20,815
  • Luke Hall (CON) 17,801
  • Andrew Banwell (REF) 7,529
  • Rob Logan (LAB) 5,057
  • Alexandra Jenner-Fust (GRN) 2,165