The general election has resulted in some big changes in Wales, with the Conservatives the biggest beneficiaries and Labour and Plaid Cymru both losing out.

Labour lost Cardiff Central to the Liberal Democrats, independent candidate Peter Law took Blaenau Gwent and the Conservatives gained Monmouth, Preseli Pembrokeshire and Clwyd West.

The Conservative gains were their first victories in Wales for 13 years as they begin to re-establish a political foothold in Wales.

Independent candidate Law, previously a Welsh assembly member for Labour, took the seat with a huge swing of 48.9 per cent.

Cardiff Central saw a swing of one per cent to the Lib Dems.

The Liberal Democrats also gained Ceredigion from Plaid Cymru on a six per cent swing.

Despite these setbacks Labour managed to hold Ynys Mon despite a Plaid Cymru challenge.

The evening was disappointing for the Welsh nationalists, who lost one seat and failed to gain any, leaving them with only three seats in Westminster.

Rural affairs minister Alun Michael, however, played down any prospects of a strong Tory revival in Wales.

"We knew it was going to be very tight for the Labour Party in Wales because we have such a large majority," he told the BBC.

"For the Conservatives to claim they are making real inroads in Wales, they would have to win eight or nine seats and it does not look as if they are going to manage to do that."

"On the figures we are talking about and the exit polls it would still be a startling good result compared with anything before 1997."

Before the election the Conservatives held no seats in Wales, the Liberal Democrats two and Plaid Cymru four.