THE Conservatives have retained their hold of Brighton Kemptown as Simon Kirby is re-elected in the first of the city's three seats to declare.

Simon Kirby won his seat with 18,428 votes - defeating a challenge from Labour's Nancy Platts who came in second place with a total of 17,738.

Mr Kirby's majorty was halved in a close fought battle with his Labour opponent. 

It is the second heartbreaking loss for Ms Platts after losing Brighton Pavilion to Caroline Lucas in 2010 1252 votes. 

The Tory said: "I have to say it is a very different role standing as a former MP rather than just standing as a candidate because you are being judged on your record."

UKIP's Ian Buchanan came in third with 4,446 with the Green Party's Davy Jones in fourth with 3,187 and the Liberal Democrats Paul Chandler in fifth with 1,365.

Simon Kirby was first elected to the House of Commons in the 2010 General Election and has previously served with Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council.

After the announcement of his re-election Mr Kirby thanked his family and declared he would "continue to work hard" for his consitituency. 

Jaqueline Shodeke of the Socialist Party acheived 73 votes while independent Matt Taylor came las with 69 votes.

The Argus: