LABOUR has regained control of Wrexham as the party is predicted to enjoy a landslide victory in the UK general election.

Labour candidate Andrew Ranger received 15,836 votes, claiming just over 39 per cent of the overall total, as exit polls put Sir Keir Starmer on course to become Prime Minister with a large majority.

The result in Wrexham represents a successful turnaround around of 2019’s shock result, which saw the Conservatives take hold of the constituency for the first time in its history.

(Image: staff)

Former MP Sarah Atherton was pushed into second place with 9,888 votes on what looks to be a difficult night for the Tories.

Reform UK candidate Charles Dodman finished in third with 6,915 votes following a large rise in support for Nigel Farage’s party.

READ MORE: General Election 2024 results LIVE: Updates across Wrexham and Flintshire

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru’s Becca Martin received 4,138 votes and Liberal Democrat Tim Sly 1,777.

They were followed by the Green Party’s Tim Morgan with 1,339 and Paul Ashton from Abolish the Welsh Assembly with 480 as the turnout dropped from 67.4 per cent in 2019 to 57.6.

Labour now has a majority of 5,948 in a constituency which has grown in size since 2019 following a boundary review, taking in parts of the old Clwyd South seat.

As the results were announced at the Wrexham University sports hall, there were cheers of joy from supporters of Mr Ranger.

The former hotel manager said: “I stand here today deeply honoured and humbled at the trust placed in me to be the first MP for the new Wrexham constituency.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Wrexham. Thank you for your confidence and for giving me the opportunity to serve you as your member of parliament.

“Your voices have been heard and I promise to work tirelessly to ensure Wrexham has a strong and effective voice in parliament.

“We have big challenges ahead and the work begins now, but I am confident that with your continued support and collaboration we can overcome those challenges.”

Waiting for the boxes to arrive at the count, held at Wrexham UniversityWaiting for the boxes to arrive at the count, held at Wrexham University (Image: staff)

He said improving the economy, education and health services would be his focus as MP.

Ms Atherton said: “It’s been a privilege and an honour to be your MP for the last four and a half years.

“We really have come so far and Wrexham is firmly on the map. I wish Andrew all the best and I hope he builds on the progress we’ve made in the last few years.”