The Tories triggered what could be the start of a Conservative revival in the capital last night by taking the true blue seat of Putney.

Justine Greening's early victory signalled a swing to the Tories in the South East. The young accountant appeared to represent a new generation emerging for the party.

Tony Colman's victory over David Mellor was one of the defining images of the 1997 election, but the Labour candidate lost the seat this time by 1,766.

Neighbouring Wimbledon also fell to the Tories, as the party regained a foothold on the London ladder.