Hamilton thanks supporters

In a statement he said: "Every vote counts and you helped send a clear message that the politics of division is a thing of the past.

"I don't doubt for one minute that it has been worth it. First of all, I am proud not just of how hard we fought, but the way we fought. Our campaign was unremittingly positive and optimistic - and that's just what Upper Bann needed.

"I cannot deny that I am sorry not to have been elected to represent this constituency. It would have been an honour and a privilege to speak-up for you at Westminster. There is much to be done to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for our community and that work must continue.

"In Upper Bann the Ulster Unionist Conservatives received almost 27 per cent of the vote well above the 21% projected by the recent poll and more than Sinn Fein contrary to the propaganda and scare mongering of the DUP who used the results to turn the election into a sectarian head count.

"Nevertheless that’s Northern Ireland politics and it is one of the reasons why I shall continue to stay in politics. To work to normalize politics where people vote for something they want, not out of fear for something they don’t want."

He went on: "I believe that it is still in the interest of everyone in Northern Ireland that the Ulster Unionist Party rises to this challenge and works to secure good representation for our country.

"After all, that's what this party has always been about. That's what I'm about. And I know that's what you want, and what the country wants right now too.

Lastly I would just like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who helped me during the recent election; I want to thank you for fighting and campaigning so hard for the past few weeks.

"I know how hard every supporter, member and activist worked during this campaign. I know how tough and gruelling it was. I know how tired you all feel now. You'll have blisters from all the pavements you've pounded; bruised knuckles from the doors you've knocked on. I could not have done it without you and I sincerely want to thank you."