SWINDON’S newly re-elected MPs have given their full support to Theresa May amid widespread calls for the Prime Minister to resign.

Conservative candidates for North and South Swindon, Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, respectively, were re-elected on Thursday night after a hard fought election campaign.

Mr Tomlinson, who will return to Westminster for a third term after thumping his rivals in North Swindon, backed Theresa May to lead the country in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations and dismissed any suggestion that the Conservatives would stage another leadership election.

“It’s right and proper in these times of uncertainty that we seek to govern, and Theresa May as Prime Minister has my full support,” he said.

Mr Tomlinson received 29,431 votes, with Labour’s Mark Dempsey coming in second place with 21,096 votes.

Commenting on the national picture, Mr Tomlinson said: “The result has surprised most people. We had hoped for better and we have lost some excellent colleagues.

“We saw the Lib Dems lose a former deputy prime minister and the leader face a recount, and the fringe parties also took a significant backward step.

“While we were looking for a decisive majority we have fallen short, but we did still significantly win the most seats and the popular vote.”

In a clear show of support for Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Tomlinson said: “I stood proudly under her banner and secured the highest ever vote share in North Swindon.”

He won 53 per cent of the vote on a turnout of 68 per cent.

Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron are just two of many who have called on the Prime Minister to fall on her sword and resign after she failed to secure the majority she initially sought.

Mr Corbyn said she should “go and make way for a government that is truly representative of this country”.

But South Swindon candidate Robert Buckland, who despite increasing his share of the vote, saw his majority reduced to just 2,464, down from 5,785 in 2015, also gave Theresa May his full support.

He said: “The people of Swindon voted for a Conservative government led by Theresa May. I think it would be bizarre if we were to change leaders so abruptly when the job of Brexit is still to be completed.”

Acknowledging the fact that the result was not an ideal one for the Conservatives, Mr Buckland nonetheless ruled out the need for a second election.

He said: “It was not the win that we wanted, but it’s a result that allows a government to be formed. It is a disappointment, but I am confident that we can get on with the job of governing and giving the House of Commons a good chance of holding the government to account.”

Both Mr Buckland and Mr Tomlinson have experienced a hung Parliament before and neither is worried about the prospect this time round.

In one last drive of support for the Prime Minister, Mr Tomlinson said: “Brexit negotiations start in 11 days - I fully expect Theresa May to be leading them.”

He added: “There is no appetite for change.”