Former Elstree and Borehamwood town mayor Claire Ward retained her seat as Labour MP of Watford in last week's General Election.

Ms Ward polled 20,992 votes, with a 5,555 lead over Conservative candidate Michael McManus who got 15,437. Liberal Democrat candidate, Duncan Hames, got 8,088 and there were 900 votes for the Green Party, 535 for the UK Independence Party and 420 for the Socialist Alliance.

Ms Ward's father, Hertsmere Borough Council's Labour group leader Frank Ward, said: "She kept her seat, plus she actually increased her lead. Her career as a member of Parliament for the next five years is secure.

"We are very pleased and very proud, and when you consider she got most of her experience in Borehamwood."

Her mother, borough Councillor Cathie Ward, added: "We were confident because she put so much work into it."