A key Wiltshire seat has a new MP who is determined to “improve opportunity” after the Conservative vote collapsed.

The Liberal Democrats have seized the Chippenham constituency, which runs from Corsham across to Calne and up to Royal Wootton Bassett, from the Conservatives.

The new MP for the area Sarah Gibson bested Conservative candidate Nic Puntis, who stood following former MP Michelle Donelan’s move to Melksham and Devizes, by 22,552 votes to 14,414.

Reform’s Benjamin Ginsburg, who did not attend the count results, came third with 6,127 votes.

Also standing for the seat was Labour candidate Ravi Venkatesh who received 3,925 votes and Green Party candidate Declan Baseley who received 1,954 votes.

Conservative candidate Nic PuntisConservative candidate Nic Puntis (Image: Newsquest)

Rounding out the voting was independent Ed Deedigan with 540 votes.

Ms Gibson’s victory represents a significant swing for the constituency, where the Conservatives had enjoyed 54.3 per cent of the vote in 2019.

The party’s vote dropped by more than half, from 30,994 five years ago.

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats drastically increased their share of the vote, with the announcement met by cheers from campaigners.

Speaking after the result was declared, Mrs Gibson told this paper she was “excited” to tackle the job head on and “fight for” an area she lives in.

One of her main aims over the next four years will be to “improve the job opportunities and economy” of the area.

She said: “I’m excited and ready to start work and do the job I’ve been campaigning for, for nearly two years.

“It’s incredible, I went off to college because of a grant from Wiltshire Council so this area has supported me my whole life.

“To be able to give back to this place is really quite something, I’m really proud and I intend to work incredibly hard for this area.”

Votes are counted at the General Election in ChippenhamVotes are counted at the General Election in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

Mrs Gibson believes the Conservative Party’s national collapse played a role in them losing the seat, but added that her campaign group’s hard work in Wiltshire was also important in building trust.

“I think that’s down to a lot of national issues, obviously the collapse of the Conservative vote.

“There were older Conservatives who voted for them for a long time but felt they couldn’t again.

“But I think a lot of people once they met me felt I could represent them and support them, I’ve had time to meet lots of people and that helps.”

Voter turnout for the Chippenham constituency was 67.027 per cent with 49,669 verified votes counted from an electorate of 74,107.