Jewish MP Louise Ellman last night held on to her seat in Liverpool Riverside – despite a contest in which she and neighbouring MP Luciana Berger were targeted for their membership of Labour Friends of Israel.
Mrs Ellman benefited from a 0.3 per cent swing to Labour from the Liberal Democrats – meaning that her 59.2 per cent share of the vote was bolstered.
During the last parliament Mrs Ellman was a constant defender of Israel, regularly speaking up for the Jewish state in the House of Commons, where she is one of the most senior Jewish figures in the Labour Party. At the count, only Mrs Ellman and the UKIP lasted until the vote was declared, at 5am.
In an early morning update to the social networking site twitter, shortly after the count, Mrs Ellman wrote: "Delighted to be re-elected as MP for riverside:) turnout increased to 52 pc. Thanks to those who gave their support."