Louie French, the winner of the Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election held to replace the former MP James Brokenshire, has said his victory is “what [James] would have wanted”.

Mr French, who was elected with a reduced majority in Thursday’s vote, paid tribute to his friend after his death from cancer in October and wore his rosette to the count.

“He was a good friend of mine, and my mentor,” Mr French told The Telegraph, after seeing off a challenge from Labour and Richard Tice, who was standing for the Reform UK party.

“He was one of the first people who encouraged me to try to become a Member of Parliament. The family very kindly asked me to wear his ribbon tonight in tribute to him, and I do that with great honour and pride. I’m very proud to do so.

“He was a fantastic man, and I’m very sad about the loss of his life. I know that this is what he would have wanted tonight.”