BOB Russell motored to a fourth term as Colchester’s Member of Parliament with room to spare.

During a tough night for the Lib Dems nationally, Mr Russell strengthened his stranglehold over the constituency, repelling spirited challenges from his Labour and Conservative rivals.

He won 22,151, nearly 7,000 more than his Conservative opposite number Will Quince, resulting in an increased majority for a third time in a row.

Jordan Newell, the Labour candidate, came a distant third with 5,680 votes.

Mr Russell pledged to continue to battle to save two secondary schools, Alderman Blaxill and Thomas Lord Audley, which are earmarked for closure.

He also pledged to continue the fight to stop thousands of homes being built on Colchester's fields.

He added: "I'm delighted, that on this occasion for the fourth consecutive time my vote went up, my majority went up, my percentage of the vote went up.

"The battle to save the two schools, Alderman Blaxill and Thomas Lord Audley, most go on and it must be won."

He said his expenses repayments totaling £4,500, for overclaimed mortgage interest and council tax, had not been mentioned once on the doorstep.

Mr Russell also praised the positive campaign mounted by his main rivals, Mr Quince and Mr Newell.

Of the six fringe parties who stood for the seat, John Pitts from UKIP fared best, winning 1,350 votes.

The BNP's Sidney Chaney won 705 votes, closely followed by Peter Lynn of the Green Party with 694 votes.

Turnout rose this year to 62.4 per cent, up from 56.8 per cent in 2005.