Watford's new MP has reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding Watford General Hospital but admits that making changes will not come quickly.

Labour took the seat last night as Matt Turmaine beat the Conservative candidate Dean Russell by 15,708 votes to 10,985.

He said winning was an “overwhelming” feeling but he was looking forward to “delivering the change that people have voted for”.

Mr Turmaine was one of seven new Labour MPs to win one of Hertfordshire's 12 seats.

Labour's Matt Turmaine beat the former Conservative MP Dean Russell last night.Labour's Matt Turmaine beat the former Conservative MP Dean Russell last night. (Image: Watford Labour) He admitted that it was a “daunting prospect” coming into government after 14 years of Conservative rule, adding: “There is a lot that is wrong with our country and a lot that needs to be put right.

"But as Keir said in his speech today, changing the country isn’t like flicking a switch. It’s going to take a bit of time to start making a difference.”

Under the new government, he said he will focus on strengthening the local economy, investing in green technology and supporting the NHS.

Former Watford MP Dean Russell at the election count last night.Former Watford MP Dean Russell at the election count last night. (Image: Newsquest)

He added: “We got a lot of attention on reducing waiting lists and enabling people to more easily get GP appointments. Locally, that means the rebuilding of Watford Hospital which was a very important priority on the doorstop.”

When asked if Labour will stick to finishing the hospital by 2030 as promised by the Conservatives, the MP said: “I can't give you a concrete answer on that argument because I only got elected about 12 hours ago.

“But we are absolutely committed to doing it, Wes [Streeting] has said that we are doing it and I would imagine that the timetable will be the same.”

Matt Turmaine and the successful Watford Labour team. Matt Turmaine and the successful Watford Labour team. (Image: Newsquest)

The 2024 General Election saw Watford voters split as the Green Party, Workers Party and Reform UK all made electoral gains.

Mr Turmaine conceded that “a chunk of the vote” had gone to Reform UK, adding: “But we are still looking at it and what the motivations are in detail.

“But if you are the MP, you are there to represent everybody in Watford and I recognise the concerns that people express through the different parties that they vote for.

“Of course, it is my objective to represent everybody and make sure that their concerns are heard.”