‘God help us’: mixed feelings as nine seats in Kent go Labour

Some disenfranchised voters submitted a protest vote for Reform fearing immigration wouldn't be slowed

At lunchtime on Friday, Marie Bryant, 77, and her husband, Mervyn, 83, had no idea their Kent constituency had fallen to Labour. The couple from Folkestone had submitted their postal votes for the Conservatives weeks ago and were out shopping for pond cleaner.

Despite knowing the national result, the Bryants had assumed their seat had stayed blue. Their shock was palpable. Oh my goodness!" Marie said, relaying the news to Mervyn. He was less restrained, barking: God help us!"