High turnout numbers among young people being a “positive thing for the country” as the focus for Matthew Pennycook as he was re-elected MP for Greenwich and Woolwich.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Pennycook thanked his campaign team and his family, but also praised young people for turning out to vote.

The turnout in Greenwich and Woolwich was 68.8 per cent, up from 63.7 per cent in 2015.

Malia Bouattia, from the National Union of Students, said on Twitter that turnout among 18 to 24 years olds was 72 per cent, a massive increase from the 43 per cent who turned out in 2015.

Mr Pennycook said: “I think this has been an astounding election. It has confounded the critics.

“It has brought young people out to vote in record numbers, something which, whatever your political view, has got to be a positive thing for the country and our political system going forward.

“I think it has shown what can be done when we put hope at the centre of our politics instead of fear and division.”

Mr Pennycook increased his vote share by 12.2 per cent, up to 64.4 per cent of the vote with 34,215 votes.

His nearest rival, Caroline Attfield for the Conservatives, saw their vote share drop by 1.2 per cent for only 25.4 per cent of the vote.

My Pennycook said: “As I have said to residents throughout this campaign, it has been the privilege of my life to have represented the seat where I live, where I care passionately about.

“I can’t wait to get back on with the job and to continue to champion the people and the place that is Greenwich and Woolwich.”