NEW Ceredigion MP Ben Lake has admitted he didn’t think he would win, but now feels the “weight of responsibility” to represent the county well.

In an interview with the Cambrian News, the 24-year-old - who was elected on 8 June, defeating incumbent Liberal Democrat Mark Williams by just 104 votes - said that he had “big shoes to fill” as he took his seat at Westminster for the first time.

The Plaid Cymru MP said: “Mark was an excellent constituency MP and I have big shoes to fill.

“It is a huge responsibility I have been given. Lots of people put their faith me and I want to prove them right and not disappoint them.”

Entering the House of Commons for the first time as an MP for the election of the speaker was a “very surreal moment” Mr Lake said.

“These are people I have seen only on television, I was sat among many famous politicians and across from the prime minister.

“It was a proud day and an unforgettable experience.”

It was a far cry from the night two months ago where he was selected to represent the party.

“It was exciting to get the nomination and be able to give it a go, but if someone had asked me then, I honestly didn’t think it was possible for me to be where I am today,” Mr Lake said.

“It was a shock.”

Mr Lake, who impressed on the campaign trail, said the “very good candidates for all parties” made for an “excellent and enjoyable campaign.”

“We had someone of Mark’s calibre with his years of service, Dinah (Mulholland, Labour) who had done a lot locally - it really was an excellent mix,” he said.

“Nothing against anyone who has stood in the past but all parties fielded credible candidates which made for a very healthy debate.”

Read the full interview in this week’s south editions, on sale now