JANE Hutt has been re-elected as the Vale’s AM securing a fifth term in office after 37,932 voters cast their constituency votes.

Welsh Labour’s Ms Hutt polled 14, 655 votes and was re-elected with a majority of 777 with Conservative Ross England finishing second with 13,655 votes..

Her previous majority, in 2011, had been 3775.

Labour and other candidates witnessed a 53 per cent turnout, up from the 46.7 per cent poll of the 2011.

Plaid Cymru’s Ian Johnson secured 3871 votes and Green candidate Alison Haden obtained 794 votes..

Denis Campbell, of the Liberal Democrats polled 938,votes and Lawrence Andrews representing UKIP 3662 votes..

Ms Hutt thanked those present at the Barry leisure centre count for all their efforts

She said: “It reflects the way I work in the Vale of Glamorgan – serving the people relentlessly. It’s been a wonderful campaign.”

Plaid’s Ian Johnson said: “It was a lovely campaign. Plaid Cymru has tried to sell a positive message in Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan. It’s been enjoyable talking to so many people and discussing issues that matter to them. I am disappointed not to be elected, but I will be working in the Vale.

He added that he hoped the victor would keep the promises made in the next five years.

UKIP candidate, Lawrence Andrews, told the Barry & District News before the declaration, that he had enjoyed the campaign and he hoped there would be an upset.

Speaking about the regional votes, he added: “I think we (UKIP) are going to end up with eight or nine AMs in the Assembly.”