MICHAEL Mates has been elected as MP for East Hampshire for the eighth successive time but has warned that something must be done about this year's poor turnout figures.

A total of 50,289 people turned out to vote at last Thursday's general election counted at the Taro Leisure Centre in Petersfield. That figure is down more than 11 per cent from the election in 1997.

Mr Mates beat Liberal Democrat Bob Booker with a majority of 8,890. Labour candidate Barbara Burfoot picked up 9,866 votes and Steven Ralph Coles for the UK Independence Party polled 1,413.

The Conservative candidate said he was delighted to be returned to parliament for East Hampshire.

Mr Mates said: "I think the most worrying thing about this result is the turnout which is down 11 per cent. This is something for all politicians from all parties to ponder.

"As far as personalities are concerned I think this has been a very clean contest. I am very proud to have been successful for the eighth time and I will do my best to serve my constituency."

Bob Booker said he was pleased with the Liberal Democrat campaign and was delighted to have cut Mr Mates' majority to 8,800.

He said: "I enjoyed the campaign and although like many others I was disappointed with the low turnout, this did not detract from the pleasure of reducing the current MP's majority even further.

"Our campaign nationally had a significant impact. It was a positive campaign dealing with issues that people cared about the most - health, education, pensions, crime and transport."

Labour candidate Barbara Burfoot was also encouraged by the party's increased vote in the East Hampshire constituency. The party enjoyed a two per cent increase in this year's election.

Steven Coles earned almost 1,000 extra votes for the UK Independence party in the district.

He said: "I look forward to seeing you all in five years time. I also look forward to a referendum on the single currency."

RESULTS

Michael Mates (Con) - 23,950 - 47.62 %

Bob Booker (Lib Dem) - 15,060 - 29.95 %

Barbara Burfoot (Lab) - 9,866 - 19.62 %

Steven Coles (UKIP) - 1,413 - 2.81 %

Turnout - 50,289 (63.82 %)