CONSERVATIVE Chris Davies retained his Brecon and Radnorshire seat with an increased majority in last night's General Election but admitted he was "disappointed" with the Tories' lacklustre UK campaign.

Mr Davies gained 20,081 votes, defeating James Gibson-Watt from the Liberal Democrats who gained 12,043 votes.

It means he increased his majority of 5,000 at the 2015 election to 8,000.

However, over the UK as a whole the situation looked far less rosy for the Conservatives' leader Theresa May, whose gamble of calling a snap poll backfired badly.

Her decision left the Tories with 318 seats a fall of 12 and Labour on 261 seats, an increase of 29. It means if she remains as Prime Minister she must attempt to govern without a majority, and means the Tories are likely to be reliant on the Democratic Unionist Party for support in the House of Commons and could have to look around for wider support as Britain enters its Brexit negotiations.

Speaking before his result was confirmed at the count at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, Mr Davies said: "It’s looking as if we’ll retain the seat at this moment in time and I’m told we may increase the majority but until the result is declared I’m holding my breath and still very nervous." 

He spoke after an exit poll had predicted Mrs May would lose her Commons majority and he added: "Anything less than an increased majority will be disappointing." 

Asked if Mrs May still had his confidence, Mr Davies who voted for Michael Gove in last year’s Tory leadership contest, paused before saying: "I’ve been very disappointed with the campaign that has been run.  

"As you know I voted for an alternative candidate in the leadership election but of course she has my full confidence as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party." 

Mr Davies also said there are many seats still to declare and hasn’t conceeded the party has lost its majority.  

Asked who he expected to be PM he said: "As far as I’m aware it will be Theresa May. The last results will probably come in between 8 and 10 in the morning and there are many seats still to declare. We’ve done very well in some places and not so well in others. We will have to wait until the last results come in."The full result for the Brecon and Radnorshire constituency was:C Davies CON 20,081J Gibson-Watt LD 12,043P Gilbert UKIP 576K Heneghan PC 1,299D Hodge Lab 7,335