DAVID McBride has conceded defeat to Boris Johnson’s brother Jo in the race for the Orpington seat.

The Liberal Democrat candidate, who also leads the party in Bromley Council, is congratulating Jo Johnson for managing to keep the Tories hold on the town.

This comes at least three hours before the official result is expected at the Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley.

Jo Johnson is the mayor of London’s brother and was parachuted in to the constituency after John Horam decided to stand down.

Mr McBride had hoped to capitalise on being from the area and his record as a councillor for the Cray Valley West ward.

But speaking to the News Shopper outside the count for the Orpington constituency he says after a long campaign he believes his dream of becoming the next MP is over.

Mr McBride said: “Obviously the Conservatives were incumbent in Orpington and I think people were sick to the back teeth of Gordon Brown and they were seeking to elect a candidate to make sure this was known.

“It looks like Jo Johnson has kept the Conservative seat.

“I think national politics has played its part and obviously I congratulate Jo in becoming Orpington’s next MP.”

He says it is too early to say whether he would consider standing for parliament again: “It’s been a long election, I’m pretty tired.

“I hope to keep my council seat and that is looking pretty tight at the moment.

“Once I have had a rest we can think of what will happen in four or five years time.”