LABOUR kept a strong hold on Caerphilly despite an upsurge in support for Ukip who leapfrogged the Tories and Plaid Cymru into second place.

Wayne David, who had held the seat since 2001, won with 17,864 of the votes. Ukip’s Sam Gould received 7,791 to finish second, in front of Leo Docherty from the Conservatives who had 6,683.

Beci Newton, of Plaid Cymru, got 5,895 of the votes, the Green Party’s Katy Beddoe had 937, Liberal Democrats’ Aladdin Ayesh had two less at 935, with Jaime Davies of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition receiving 178 votes.

It had always seemed pretty straightforward in terms of a Labour victory here, but the biggest fight of the night was over who would come in second place.

Early Plaid positivity soon faded as it became apparent that it was a two-horse race for second between the Tories and Ukip.

Official figures showed the turnout at 63.47 per cent in an electorate of 63,603, up slightly from the 62.3 per cent in 2010. The number of votes cast at polling stations were 40,368 while postal votes amounted to 8,879.

The declaration came at around 2.45am at Caerphilly Leisure Centre, with a strong Labour following cheering on as the inevitable outcome was announced.

Mr David said: “Nationally, we are disappointed, but locally I’m very pleased. It’s a very big majority and I think I have shown that I’ve worked hard for people. We also work hard in Caerphilly between elections, and I think the people recognise that.”

Mr Docherty, the Tory candidate, said: “Ukip are doing very well. You can see it on the doorstep – they are taking votes away from the Tories and Labour. I think it’s more of a national effect.”

Mr Gould claimed a “clear message” was instrumental in his party’s huge improvements.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic and it’s a great stepping stone for us now going forward to the Assembly elections next year.

“We were outnumbered probably 10 to 1 by Labour, and 5 to 1 by Plaid, in terms of support. But we’ve shown what a clear message can do. We’re growing and growing and growing, and we’ll continue to grow.”

Plaid’s Ms Newton said: “I’m happy in that we held our solid Plaid Cymru base that we have here. But we were shocked by the upsurge in Ukip support, we didn’t think it was quite as strong as it was.

“For me personally I’m happy I did a positive and dignified campaign.”

In an interesting sub-plot to the night’s proceedings, Plaid held on convincingly in the Caerphilly town council ward of Watford, beating off competition from Labour and Ukip.

Simon Morgan received 446 votes, with Labour’s Anne East coming second with 257, followed closely by 21-year-old Ukip candidate Nathan Ives who had 228 votes.