In a closely contested election, the Conservatives have managed to retain a crucial seat in Basildon and Billericay by the slimmest of margins. The party's chairman, Richard Holden, secured victory with just a 20-vote lead over his closest rival.
The race was so tight that a recount was ordered, highlighting the significance of each and every vote cast in this constituency. Had just 11 votes initially counted for the Conservatives been in favor of Labour, the outcome would have been drastically different, with the seat turning red.
