BEN Lake swept to a stunning victory for Plaid Cymru in a night of high drama at the Ceredigion general election count.

The 24-year old deposed long-standing MP Mark Williams, but not before having to endure the agony of two recounts.

In the end, little more than 100 votes separated the two candidates but it was Plaid Cymru that came out on top, with the Liberal Democrats left to lick their wounds.

Plaid polled 11,623 votes to the Lib Dems’ 11,519 on a turnout of 73.38 per cent.

As the declaration was made, cheers went up both inside and outside at Aberaeron Leisure Centre from Mr Lake’s ecstatic supporters. Mr Williams was gracious in defeat and the first to shake his hand.

Mr Lake was still in shock following the result. He said: “At the moment I am lost for words.

“I am a little bit excited and a little bit daunted but I am determined to do the people here proud.

“I now need to get out and about and meet as many people as I can. I have a readiness to engage with different people and take on board what people have to say.”

Mr Lake admitted it had been a tense affair and it was not until the final declaration at approaching 6.30am – eight and a half hours after the polls closed – that he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“I was never confident at all until we went up after the final recount. Now I have a job to do. It is a great honour to be chosen by the people of Ceredigion and I will work tirelessly to make sure Ceredigion’s voice is heard loud and clear in Westminster.”

For outgoing MP Mark Williams, who has held the seat for 12 years, it was tough to take but he was quick to pass on his congratulations to Mr Lake.

H said: “It has been an immensely privileged position to be MP for Ceredigion for the past 12 years. I am sure Ben will serve with distinction and wish him all the best.

“Most importantly of all, can I thank the electorate of this marvellous constituency who have returned me on three occasions and I am eternally grateful to all those who have contributed to what I have tried to achieve.”

Full result

Ruth Davis (Conservative) 7,307

Grenville Ham (Green) 542

Tom Harrison (UKIP) 602

Ben Lake (Plaid Cymru) 11,623

Dinah Mulholland (Labour) 8,017

Sir Dudley the Crazed (Monster Raving Looney) 157

Mark Williams (Liberal Democrat) 11,519

Turnout 73.83%