It has been a long night of counting and checking – but Barnet will stay blue for another five years.

There is no change to the MPs representing Barnet Borough Council, with Chipping Barnet’s Theresa Villiers, Finchley and Golders Green’s Mike Freer and Hendon’s Matthew Offord retaining their seats.

The atmosphere at the count at Allianz Park, in Hendon, was placid - but as the night went on, the candidates and party members appeared more and more tense.

Results were announced between 4am and 5am.

Ms Villiers won 25,759 votes, Mr Freer received 25,835 votes and 24,328 voted for Dr Offord.

Finchley and Golders Green

Mike Freer, Conservative, 25,835

Sarah Sackman,  Labour, 20,173

Richard King, UK Independence 1,732

Jonathan Davies, Liberal Democrat, 1,662

Adele Ward, Green, 1,357

Times Series:

In the run-up to the election, the polls put Mike Freer and Sarah Sackman neck and neck – but the Labour representative fell short by 5,000 votes after polling 20,173.

Speaking about his win, Mr Freer said: “I am humbled and proud that I can continue to serve the area I have come to love. We work hard and get things done.”

Sarah Sackman said: “This is not the speech I wanted to give, but we fought for what we believe in. But let’s not go home and think nothing has changed.

“Looking at the results across the country, I know we’ll need spirit to defend ourselves, that sense of social justice and solidarity.

“It’s been the privilege of my life to be here.”

Ms Sackman also discussed cuts to Mapledown School, in Cricklewood, where parents of disabled children may have to look elsewhere for after-school care, and vowed to never stop fighting for parents and children.

Hendon

Matthew Offord, Conservative, 24,328

Andrew Dismore, Labour, 20,604

Raymond Shamash, UK Independence, 2,595

Alasdair Hill, Liberal Democrat, 1,088

Ben Samuel, Green, 1,015

Times Series:

What was expected to be a close fight between Labour's Andrew Dismore and the incumbent Dr Offord was actually a clear win.

In 2010, there were just 108 votes between the two.

In his acceptance speech, at Allianz Park in Hendon, Dr Offord thanked his family and his campaign team.

He said: "Andrew, you are not defined by the letters MP after your name but come next spring in the GLA elections, we are coming to get you."

Chipping Barnet

Theresa Villiers, Conservative, 25,759

Amy Trevethan, Labour, 18,103

Victor Kaye, UK Independence, 4,151

Poppy AM, Green, 2,501

Ray Marisha, Liberal Democrats, 2,381

Mehdi Akhavan, Independent, 118

Times Series:

After being announced the winner, Ms Villiers told the audience at Allianz Park: “It’s a tremendous honour. I’ll do everything I can to stand up for everyone.

“I’d like to thank the other candidates for running constructive campaign. It’s a huge responsibility.

“I’ll pledge to campaign on all local issues, improve infrastructure, transport and champion the NHS.

“A Conservative government will support a brighter and better future for this country.”