LIBERAL Democrat Mark Oaten repulsed the Tory challenge to hold Winchester, but with a reduced majority early today.

Mr Oaten won for the fourth time in eight years, polling 31,225 votes, some 7,476 ahead of George Hollingbery, who polled 23,749.

The turnout was a whopping 73.6 per cent, believed to be the highest in the country.

The result was less close than seemed likely for much of the count. The votes of Mr Oaten and Mr Hollingbery stacked up neck and neck on tables in the Guildhall.

For a time it looked as if a tight result as in Romsey and Eastleigh was possible. Mr Hollingbery's step had a bounce while Mr Oaten briefly looked a worried man, pacing around the Guildhall. But steadily his ballot papers forged ahead on tables erected on the stage and the result declared by acting returning officer Stephen Whetnall at 4.23am.

Minutes before the result was announced, Mr Oaten sought out his wife Belinda and whispered in her ear. Her broad smile confirmed his victory.

The other two main parties will take some heart from the result. The Labour candidate, local city councillor Patrick Davies, increased his share of the vote from 5.9 to 7.7 per cent. It was its third highest tally since 1979.

Mr Hollingbery, although his share of the vote stayed much the same at about 38 per cent, increased support by a thousand and reduced the majority from 9,634.

That was despite a strong showing from the UK Independence Party who lured many disgruntled Conservatives.

Mr Oaten said afterwards: "I'm absolutely over the moon. It's a thumping majority and I'm delighted the people of Winchester have entrusted me again."

Mr Hollingbery said: "We have achieved a lot but we need to do more to convince people we have the right policies."

He will now hope that his campaign will impress party chiefs in the new Meon Valley constituency to be formed for the next general election.

"It is quite likely I will have a look, but of course it will be down to the party," he said.

Mr Davies said he wanted to thank Labour voters who had stayed loyal to the party despite controversy over Iraq.

For UKIP, David Abbott said: "On the doorsteps I found people were unhappy that the politicians have sold this country. We doubled our vote today."

Bringing colour to the campaign was druid priest and environmental campaigner, Arthur Pendragon. In a flowing white robe, he said: "Five hundred and eighty one votes is a big possee in anyone's terms. We will be back."

The election campaign sprang into life almost from the start with controversy over Mr Hollingbery's hijacking of Mr Oaten's website. It attracted national headlines and Mr Hollingbery was forced to backtrack.