Labour’s Sarah Jones has become Croydon’s first female MP after winning the Croydon Central seat from housing minister Gavin Barwell.
However, within 24 hours Mr Barwell had some consolation having been unveiled as prime minister Theresa May’s chief of staff.
The borough’s other two MP’s remained in place with Labour’s Steve Reed and the Conservatives’ Steve Reed holding onto Croydon North and Croydon South respectively.
Ms Jones claimed a majority of 5,652 in what was previously one of the tightest marginals in the country, Mr Barwell having beaten her by just 165 votes in 2015.
Turnout increased from 68 per cent to 71.5 per cent in the seat with Labour activists having been out in force since Mrs May called the General Election.
“Nearly three-quarters of the electorate came out to vote which shows how much the people of Croydon care about their town,” said Ms Jones.
“I want to pay tribute to Gavin Barwell for his seven years of service as the MP for Croydon Central.
“It all started here when Jeremy Corbyn launched his campaign here in Croydon.
“Since then we have seen literally thousands of people from Croydon and across London come to help us in our campaign.
“I stood in 2015 and the most interesting difference between 2015 and now is young people. Young people have won this election because they came out for the first time and wanted to vote.
“However we voted today I think we’re all united by wanting what’s best for Croydon, which we know is the most fantastic town.”
An emotional Mr Barwell, who wrote a book called How to Win a Marginal Seat last year, admitted to being “devasted to have lost the job but said “it had to happen sometime.”
“I have enjoyed the seven years in which I’ve had the privilege of holding this office immensely and I hope my successor, Sarah Jones, gets the same joy and satisfaction in the role that I have.
“Her successes will be the town’s successes and I wish her the best job in the world.
“I want to thank the people of Croydon Central for the tremendous generosity they’ve shown me this campaign whether they were planning to vote for me or not.”