The Progressive Labour Party's Renee Webb retained her seat in the House of Assembly as predicted ...but by a margin too close for comfort for the Minister of Tourism and Telecommunications.

When she left the Trinity Church polling station at the half-way count, Ms Webb was leading Tim Smith of the United Bermuda Party by only 34 votes. She opened a gap of 342 to 306 at the three-quarter count before a late surge by the Opposition MP saw him cut the margin down to eight at the final count.

"It was definitely close, without question," said Ms Webb with a look of relief on her face. In the end it appeared some key votes in last week's advance voting pulled Ms Webb through.

"The polls said it was close at one point, it had me ahead and never had me losing, but I must admit people didn't come out," said Ms Webb amidst celebrations at the Hamilton Parish Workmen's Club afterwards.

She was hoping for a turnout of about 1,000 voters but only 893 voted - 74.48 percent of the 1201 registered voters.

"Clearly a lot of our supporters didn't come out but I'm glad I did win with those who did . . . and I'm eternally grateful.

"Because I had a new constituency, I had 300 new voters who I didn't know in St. David's which is a UBP area. I had my traditional support in Hamilton Parish which carried me through."

Tim Smith, who moved from the old Paget West constituency, put up a good fight and a game face at the end, but the disappointment showed as he walked away.

"The voters have spoken, I wish them all the best," was his only comment as he disappeared into the darkness.

Results:

Renee Webb (PLP) 449

Tim Smith (UBP) 441