Sinn Féin have emerged as Northern Ireland’s largest party at a Westminister level for the first time. 

With only the safe DUP seat of East Derry left to declare, Sinn Féin has won seven seats, the DUP four, the SDLP two, while the UUP, TUV and Alliance have all won one each; an independent unionist has also won in North Down. 

The historic result comes two years after Sinn Féin won the most seats in the Stormont Assembly. 

The republican party comfortably held its two most marginal seats; in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, the Sinn Féin majority soared from 57 votes over the UUP to 4,571. 

?? Pat Cullen MP! A fantastic result!

A formidable leader who will deliver positive change for everyone in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. pic.twitter.com/QlcbvANuov

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) July 5, 2024

In Belfast North, the party’s majority over the DUP increased from 1,943 to 5,612. 

There was also a strong swing to the party in Foyle, where SDLP leader Colm Eastwood saw his majority tumble from 17,110 to 4,166. 

"You endorsed Sinn Féin candidates who will work hard for you every day and lead positive change for everyone," First Minister Michelle O'Neill tweeted.

"We will continue to work for all, striving to build a brighter and better future for workers and families."

The DUP, which won eight seats in 2019, has lost Lagan Valley to the Alliance, South Antrim to the UUP and - most sensationally of all - Ian Paisley Jnr has been defeated in North Antrim by the TUV. 

Thank you East Antrim ???

I promise to repay the trust you have placed in me for the 6th time. pic.twitter.com/1jymc9MV8q

— Sammy Wilson ???? (@eastantrimmp) July 5, 2024

In Belfast East, Party leader Gavin Robinson held off a strong challenge from the Alliance’s Naomi Long, while former DUP MLA Alex Easton won in North Down as an independent.

Main image: Michelle O'Neill. Picture by Artur Widak/NurPhoto.