Alistair Burt looks to be heading towards retaining his seat for the Conservatives in North East Bedfordshire. It is understood Mr Burt has secured a comfortable majority of over 10,000 according to sources at the count at the John Bunyan Centre in Bedfor

Alistair Burt looks to be heading towards retaining his seat for the Conservatives in North East Bedfordshire.

It is understood Mr Burt has secured a comfortable majority of over 10,000 according to sources at the count at the John Bunyan Centre in Bedford.

"I am OK here," said a confident Mr Burt from the centre. "I am hoping the result will be announced very soon and the last papers are currently being counted.

"As soon as the count is declared here I am looking forward to getting home and watching the remainder of the election on the TV. It seems very sad but it does seem we are heading for hung parliament territory."

His Labour opponent Ed Brown, said: "It looks as though Alistair Burt has retained the seat with a comfortable majority with us and the Lib Dems fighting for second and third place.

"It is a very exciting night and it is not over yet and we could see Gordon Brown trying to form a coalition Government tomorrow.