Vince Cable blames 'fear campaign' for 'terrible night' that cost him his seat

He became the latest in a string of high-profile Liberal Democrat figures to lose their seats

Vince Cable blamed a campaign of "fear" by the Tories for a "terrible night" for the Liberal Democrats as he became the latest in a string of high-profile party figures to lose their seats.

The Business Secretary was defeated by Conservative Tania Mathias by 25,580 votes to 23,563 in the seat he had held since 1997.

"We were hit by a very well organised national campaign based on people's fear of a Labour government and the Scottish nationalists and we will see in the days that follow what are the implications," he said.

"It has been a marvellous experience and an honour being the MP for this constituency. Unfortunately this has been a terrible night for our party all over.

"But I am absolutely sure that we are going to bounce back both nationally and locally."

Press Association