Conservative Richard Ottaway increased his majority by more than 2,000 as he held on to Croydon South in this year's election with a comfortable victory.

The incumbent MP polled 28,684 despite his involvement in the MP's expenses scandal, while an expected Lib Dem challenge following their success in the TV debates proved unfounded.

The 64-year-old won a vote of confidence from Conservative constituents last year after it was discovered he had claimed thousands of pounds in expenses for a second home mortgage, lightbulbs and half the cost of an orthapaedic bed to 'help with a bad back'.

Liberal Democrat candidate Simon Rix, whose party polled just over 20 per cent of the local vote in 2005, believed Nick Clegg's stunning performance in the Prime Ministers' debates would enable him to come within one per cent of his Conservative opponent.

Mr Ottaway has said this election campaign will be his last, having held Croydon South since 1992.

Full Croydon South results: Jane Avis, Labour - 11287.

Jeffrey Bolter, UKIP - 2504.

Richard Ottaway, Conservative - 28684.

Simon Rix, Liberal Democrat - 12866.

Gordon Ross, Green Party - 981.