The greens: Leader takes first seat for smaller party

Green Party leader Caroline Lucas made electoral history after becoming the party's first MP. Ms Lucas gained the Brighton Pavilion constituency from Labour where the Greens had run a targeted campaign.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th May 2010, 23:28 BST

Updated 7th May 2010, 23:28 BST

She said: "Thank you so much for putting the politics of hope above the politics of fear and I pledge that I will do my very best to do you proud.

"For once the word historic fits the bill." Ms Lucas polled 16,238 votes, while Labour trailed in second with 14,986 votes.

She had been favourite to win the seat, which had been held by Labour since 1997 and was a Tory stronghold before that.

A record number of Green candidates stood this year, with candidates in more than 300 constituencies.

Patrick Harvie, an MSP for Glasgow and Scottish Green co-leader, said: "The whole party will be over the moon.

"Westminster was always going to be the toughest nut to crack, and Caroline has made an extraordinary breakthrough."