THE Liberal Democrat candidate for Romsey and Southampton North has thanked voters and supporters after a close-run result. 

Geoff Cooper was second behind Caroline Nokes, Conservative, following the election on July 4. 

Ms Nokes first won the seat in 2010 from the Lib Dem candidate Sandra Gidley with a majority of 4,156. 

The new majority is just 2,218. 

READ MORE: Caroline Nokes holds Romsey and Southampton North for Conservatives

In a letter to the Romsey Advertiser, Mr Cooper said: “As the dust settles on this historic general election which has returned the largest number of Liberal Democrat MPs in one hundred years, I'd like to say 'thank you' to everyone who has been a part of the campaign in Romsey and Southampton North, and especially to all those who have supported myself and the Lib Dems in this election and 17,702 residents who voted Lib Dem.

“I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved together. We have lived and campaigned by our core values of openness, equality, tolerance and most importantly, kindness.

“I am proud of the positive nature with which we ran our campaign, the way the team conducted themselves and I am extremely grateful for all the support we have received.

“My team and I will continue to work hard for the people of Romsey and Southampton North and ensure that our values of fairness, decency and kindness are at the forefront of our politics. Thank you!”