IN the tide of Tory defeats in the early hours of Friday, Andy Carter was also swept away.

In the end the drama of the 'will he, won't he' stand debate mattered little as he fell to a huge defeat to Labour rival Sarah Hall in Warrington South.

Since elected four-and-a-half years ago as a Boris Johnson powered Conservative rose to power, he has enjoyed a rollercoaster.

It was a baptism of fire as Covid brought unparalleled changes to life and then his seat on the little-known privileges committee would see him transported to the front pages as he played his part in ruling on Mr Johnson's role in the pandemic and his conduct in Number 10.

It was a role which has doffed his standing for some within the Tory party.

But as he prepares for life outside Parliament, there is just one thing on his mind.

"I really need a holiday," he smiled.

"The mood of the nation is clear, the appetite for change. Clearly people have said they are ready for something different.

"The Conservative party needs to listen and have a big rethink."

So what does Mr Carter reflect on after four-and-a-half years in Parliament.

"When I was campaigning, the thing that came up time and again was congestion. Buses didn't work, roads were broken, east-west train travel didn't work.

"We have a bus service which has reduced fares, all new electric buses which are more regular. That is due to £42million from the Conservative Government.

"There is a commitment to build an east-west train line which I really think will be transformational for Warrington. And we have millions to spend on roads and £250m for the Warrington Western Link.

"If they all move forward, that will be transformational for Warrington.

"And on education, every school in Warrington South is now good or outstanding.

"The frustration is that we didn't get the new hospital through."

The other huge issue for Mr Carter and the Conservatives going forward is the new boundaries. Warrington South has always been a 'bellweather' seat - win here and you will probably form the Government,

However with Lymm and its sizeable Tory support moving out, it will be very hard to win going forward.

Mr Carter added: "The boundaries have done us no favours.

"The reality is we needed an 8 or 9 per cent swing from last time just to win again. And that was hard with the polls. It is not a bellweather seat anymore."