THE leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn has congratulated Ruth Jones on being elected the new member of parliament for Newport West.

Ms Jones clinched the seat this morning with 39.6 per cent share of the vote - 9,308 votes in total.

And within the last hour, Mr Corbyn offered his "warmest congratulations" in a Facebook post, saying: "Ruth will be a fantastic successor to Paul Flynn and will take up the tireless work he carried out for this community.

"This was always going to be a difficult by-election at a time when people are disillusioned with Westminster politics and the Tories’ failure to negotiate a Brexit deal.

"However, last night’s result demonstrates that the people of Newport and Wales are rejecting austerity and know that Labour is offering a real alternative.

"Labour will reverse Conservative cuts and support the Welsh Labour government and First Minister Mark Drakeford to rebuild communities like Newport with proper investment to create a society that works for the many, not the few.

"I thank Ruth Jones and the whole Labour team for the energetic and positive campaign we ran together to win Newport West so we can keep challenging this chaotic Tory government and build towards a Labour government."

MORE NEWS: Newport West MP Ruth Jones' message to the city

Conservative candidate Matthew Evans put in a respectable showing, coming in second with 31.3 per cent. Ukip’s Neil Hamilton was a distant third, with 8.6 per cent, followed by Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Clark with five per cent.

Ms Jones replaces the late Paul Flynn, who held the seat for almost 32 years until his death in February.