Election: Liberal Democrats hold Oxford West and Abingdon

She contested the seat for the first time in 2015, coming second.

Then she won the seat from the Conservatives in 2017 and held it in 2019 with a majority of 8,943.

This time she polled 23,414 beating Conservative Vinay Raniga who came second with 8,520 votes.

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Ms Moran has had a difficult time this year as some of her family have been caught up in the conflict in the Middle East.

Before last night's count, she said: "My family are spread all over the place, my sister lives in Eynsham, my parents live in Brussels, and as many know I also have family in Palestine.

"I think it’s fair to say it’s been a very difficult year for that family. We have lost loved ones and some were forced to move.

"I am still very worried for the safety of those who live in Ramallah and Jerusalem, and I work every day in Parliament to get that immediate bilateral ceasefire that is the only thing that will keep them all safe."

A memorable night for Layla Moran (Image: Andy Ffrench)

But on election night Ms Moran said she was delighted to hear from her family in a text message on election night.

She added: "My family were in Gaza in the north and they are now in Bahrain so that is a massive relief.

"I have been touched by the number of people who have brought up Gaza on the doorstep."

In May the Lib Dem MP suffered sepsis - an infection in the bloodstream and was needed treatment for 11 days at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Afterwards she praised nursing staff for their support.

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One of the key issues in the constituency which Ms Moran has lobbied on is the creation of new south facing slip roads at the Abingdon North junction on the A34.

The £28m project has been one of Ms Moran’s top priorities since being selected as a candidate in 2012.

During her time as an MP she raised the project in her first speech in the House of Commons in 2017, and has continued to press the government for action ever since.

In April, she held a debate in Parliament on the project, where a Minister revealed that a portion of funding was available and waiting for sign off from the Treasury.

She said earlier: "It’s excellent to hear that the completion of Lodge Hill junction is progressing as planned. I am incredibly excited that this vital piece of local infrastructure is being built. 

“After 30 years of campaigning, I am delighted that our hard work has finally paid off. I mentioned the campaign in my first speech in parliament as an MP and it has remained at the forefront of my vision for improving local transport.

“This project will unblock Abingdon’s roads; allowing faster, safer, healthier journeys for the people of Oxford West and Abingdon."

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The other candidates were: Anni Byard - Social Democratic Party; Chris Goodall - Green Party; James Gunn - Reform UK; Josh Phillips - Independent; Vinay Raniga - The Conservative Party; Ian Shelley - Christian Peoples Alliance; and Stephen Webb - Labour Party.

Anni Byard polled 259 votes, Chris Goodall 3,236 votes, James Gunn 4,164 votes, Josh Phillips 168 votes, Vinay Raniga 8,520 votes, Ian Shelley 256 votes, and Stephen Webb 5,981 votes.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.