AFTER a long campaign John Howell marked his re-election with an apology to his wife Alison and other members of his family.

He said the General Election had been “impossible to read”.

The Conservative said: “From the opinion polls you would not have guessed this was the way it was going to go.

“The last few weeks has been a pain for my family.

“I have been the most foul tempered person, coming in late at night having walked the streets for hours.

“I will probably go home and have a sleep – although I suspect I might be tempted by a large libation.”

Mr Howell said he would celebrate with a glass of red wine in his local, the Six Bells in Warborough.

Following his arrival at the count, Mr Howell discussed the campaign with his supporters including Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport David Nimmo Smith.

Mr Howell also thanked voters for supporting him.

He said: “It is very personal.”