MP for Maldon John Whittingdale insists the government process “must now go on” after the UK voted to leave the European Union.

On Friday morning, it was revealed 52% of the population voted to leave the EU with 48% voting to remain.

The conservative MP was a strong supporter for Britain leaving the EU throughout the referendum campaign, travelling across the country with other politicians to encourage voters.

He said: “I’m glad the decision was the one I campaigned hard for. As I have said before, travelling up and down the country, as well as talking to people in Maldon, the passion and support behind the campaign has been stronger than any political movement I’ve been involved with.

“The process of government must now go on, as nothing is going to happen overnight or in the space of a few days, there’s lots to be done and plenty to plan.

“We must also start to prepare our negotiations that we will need to have with the EU to organise our departure.”

Mr Whittingdale voiced sadness that Prime Minister David Cameron, who backed the remain campaign, announced he would step down from the role by October this year following the result.

He also said that he would be honouring a £1,000 bet with ITV Good Morning Britain’s Piers Morgan in February that Mr Cameron would stay in office even if the leave campaign won.

He added: “I didn’t really believe that there was a need for the Prime Minister to resign. But I understand that he had his own thoughts and decided on a different path.

“I think I will have to honour my bet with Piers. I didn’t exactly have a lot of choice as he stuck his hand out to me on live television, but under the terms of the bet he won, so I guess I’ll pay up.”

All districts in Essex voted to leave the European Union. In Maldon, 14,529 voted to remain and 24,302 (79%) voted to leave.

Maldon resident Michelle Phillips said: “I think overall it's good news, we can take back our control.

“For a few years it's going to be a struggle but we'll be bigger and stronger for it.”