IT was anyone’s guess as to who would win in Stroud in 2015.

Conservative Neil Carmichael was defending a seat he won in 2010 with a majority of just under 1,300 votes.

The result, which came around 4am, revealed that Mr Carmichael had won with 4,866 votes - increasing his majority by just over 3,500.

The Tories won 330 seats across the UK, a mere four seats over the required 326 needed to form a majority government.

Mr Carmichael, who is running again, said: “I’m ready for a fight in the general election, and I think the summer will be a fine time for an election.

“I was surprised by the decision by the Prime Minister to call an early election  but it’s right to give the people a say on the future.

“She made a bold move but I think it is the right thing to do.”

He added: “I have delivered a lot locally, I have a good record locally in education including on the Berkeley Green UTC.”

Even with his strong majority, Mr Carmichael faces a strong challenge from Labour.