CONSERVATIVE Jackie Doyle-Price has snatched the Thurrock seat from Labour.

The Sheffield born 40-year-old ended Labour’s 18-year reign in the borough by just 92 votes after a dramatic and at times shambolic night that saw two recounts.

She polled 16,869 votes to Labour's Carl Morris' 16,777.

Lib Dem Carys Davis came a creditable third with 4,901 votes, with the BNP's Emma Colgate in fourth on 3,618.

Ukip's Clive Broad polled 3,390 votes with Arinola Araba of the Christian Party getting just 266.

Ms Doyle-Price said: "I am delighted and I am fufilling a lifetime ambition to play my part in the House of Commons.

"I want to fight Thurrock's corner and I will be fight the housing targets from Whitehall. First on my agenda will be fighting the privatisation of the Dartford Crossing and to campaign for the removal of the tolls.

"It was a poorly run election with most of the counting staff being at polling stations through the day and then counting through the night. Major enquiries need to be made as to why.

"Carl was a tough opponent, he had a strong local profile and a history as a councillor. I always said this election was about David Cameron and Gordon Brown, not Carl and I.

"I didn't know till the last minute I had won because it was so close, and I will work hard for the people of Thurrock.

"I am not frightened to work hard and I will make sure the people of Thurrock made the right decision by backing me."

Liberal Democrat Carys Davis was pleased to beat the BNP.

She said: "I'm relieved, and delighted to beat the BNP I think I will stand again in Thurrock.

"My campaign was up and down like all campaigns, and we would have benefited from more resources and more help.

"The most positive thing has been recruiting more young fresh supporters and helpers for the party."