The Liberal Democrats won big on election night, taking two key Hertfordshire seats on a thrilling night at Batchwood Sports Centre.

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper was re-elected to Parliament with an increased majority, while Victoria Collins became the first MP for the new Harpenden and Berkhamsted seat.

Opinion polls had put Ms Collins neck and neck with Conservative candidate Nigel Gardner, but when the result came it was by a margin that surprised even the new MP.

The Lib Dems took the seat with a majority of over 11,000, receiving more than 27,000 votes.

Victoria Collins is the new MP for Harpenden and BerkhamstedVictoria Collins is the new MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted (Image: Liam Fitzpatrick)

An emotional Ms Collins told the Herts Ad: "I feel incredibly humbled and excited about what we can do and being able to go into Parliament and make the changes that are needed.

"We need to deliver on healthcare, the cost of living and the environment. It's important that I write to Thames Water about sorting out the water pollution in our rivers and that I work to oppose the Luton Airport expansion."

She pledged to be a 'local champion' and admitted that she was surprised by the size of the majority, suggesting it showed the appetite for change among the public.

Ms Cooper returned to Parliament having increased her 6,000 vote majority to nearly 20,000.

She also spoke to the Herts Ad, saying: "It's an absolute honour to do this job, I meet some extraordinary groups and some fantastic individuals and I can't wait to get started again.

"Our high streets are struggling with a broken business rate system, our health services are on their needs and I'll be calling for an emergency social care budget."

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The party have made tackling water pollution a priority and Ms Cooper promised to force water companies to "clean up their own mess", particularly in the River Ver, which has been plagued by sewage and E.coli.

Ms Cooper added: "This is a once in a century result for the Liberal Democrats and we will be a strong voice on the cost of living, health and social care and the environment."

She said she'll celebrate with a glass of wine on Saturday after a busy Friday full of national campaign commitments.