CENTRAL Devon Liberal Democrat candidate Alex White has described his party's likely share of tonight's vote as 'a massive collapse'.

The 23-year-old was hoping to challenge sitting MP Mel Stride, the Conservative who took the seat in 2010 with a majority over the Lib Dems of approximately 9,000.

But less than 90 minutes after the polls closed Mr White was somewhat downbeat.

'There's been a massive vote collapse for us,' he said. 'I'm confident however that we can hold our southwest strongholds such as North Devon and Torbay.'

Officials at the Newton Abbot count, staged at Newton Abbot Racecourse, announced at 11.30pm that all 100 ballot boxes had been received from across the constituency.

The result is expected by 4.30am, Central Devon at approximately 5am.