Construction minister retains his seat - just

Construction minister Nigel Griffiths retained his Edinburgh South seat, but only just, having to hold off a determined fight from the Liberal Democrats.

Griffiths secured 14,183 votes, representing a fall of 6.1%, but crucially his total was 33.2% of the turnout. Lib Dem candidate Marilyne MacLaren secured 13,783 votes, an improvement of 7%, giving her 32.3% of the turnout. Conservative candidate Gavin Brown trailed in third, with a 1.4% boost in votes to 10,291 for 24.1% of the turnout.

At this early stage there is no indication of whether Griffiths will continue as construction minister. However, three weeks ago, he told CJ: "Many ministerial jobs and portfolios get added to and changed, and it's not easy to predict which way the role will go. I would be delighted if it continues."

Conservative construction spokesman Henry Bellingham retained his North West Norfolk seat.