A former UKIP-come-independent candidate for Mansfield said he was concerned about a low turnout because the electorate have been "very angry".
Sid Pepper, who stood for UKIP in 2017, said he was "pleased" when it was announced 64.08 percent - or 49,433 people - turned out to vote.
In 2017, the turnout was marginally higher at 64.58 percent.
Mr Pepper, who had never voted before in his life until 2015, said: "I was concerned there was going to be a very low turnout.
"The weather has been awful and I'm talking to people who were very angry."
Mr Pepper told Nottinghamshire Live that he had never before voted because he believed "nothing would change" while Mansfield was a Labour stronghold.
He added: "2017 was a remarkable election, Ben gained 9,000 voters from UKIP and they have obviously stuck with him.
"But this has been a nasty election. Boris has been able to blame Parliament for many different things, but he is now going to have to deliver.
"We will not get the Brexit we were promised. I'm only standing out of anger.
"I'm disappointed that the people of Mansfield were not more courageous and go for us independents. We've been courageous standing as independents.
"I'm just disappointed [Ben Bradley] turned up in a Christmas jumper. I think it's arrogant."
