The incumbent Liberal Democrat candidate won the Chesham and Amersham constituency by 45 per cent – thanks to some voters who she acknowledged were ‘not natural Lib Dems’.

Sarah Green made history for the Liberal Democrats when she was elected in the former safe Tory seat after the death of former cabinet member Cheryl Gillian triggered a by-election in 2021.

Despite a dogged campaign by the Conservatives – including criticism of Ms Green from Bucks Council leader Martin Tett – the Lib Dem emerged triumphant in yesterday’s general election, winning 45 per cent of the constituency vote.

Speaking to the Free Press after her win, she said her win over the Tories was due in part to “a general sense of dissatisfaction and disenfranchisement across the country”, the roots of which had also been present in 2021 and which she thought “hadn’t improved in the outgoing government”.

The Lib Dems did see a record-breaking election night, ousting four cabinet ministers and winning 71 seats – beating their previous record of 62 under Charles Kennedy in 2005.

Ms Green added: “I feel amazing, it’s a wonderful feeling. I think on a national level, the party had the most wonderful night, but on a personal level, it’s been a rollercoaster – a positive one.

“There’s nothing like the feeling when you walk into the chamber of the House of Commons – that sense of awe and responsibility. I can’t quite believe it.”

Addressing voters after her win, she said: “I know that some of you who voted for me aren’t natural Liberal Democrat voters – thank you for putting your faith in me.”

Gareth Williams, Conservative candidate for Chesham and Amersham and deputy leader of Bucks Council, said his party had had “a very rough time” on election night.

He added: “Lots of good people have gone – I’m especially sad to lose Rob Butler for Aylesbury. I worked closely with him at the council, and I’ve seen up close all the good things he did.

“I’m proud of the team and everything they’ve done, and I hope the new MPs are as proactive and engaged as past ones have been. The critical message is that, for me, this has been a positive campaign.”

The vote share for Chesham and Amersham on July 4 is as follows:

Sarah Green, Liberal Democrats – 24,442

Gareth Williams, Conservative – 18,971

Laurence Jarvis, Reform UK – 5,310

Chris Chilton, Labour – 3,502

Justine Collette, Green Party – 1,672

Muhammad Khan, Workers Party – 466

Julian Foster, Heritage Party – 111