Viktor Orban, the controversial prime minister of Hungary, won a third consecutive term in office tonight after his ruling Fidesz party scored a comfortable victory in the country’s parliamentary elections.

With 85 per cent of the results counted, Mr Orban was even within touching distance of winning a two-thirds ‘super majority’ that would enable him to force through changes to Hungary’s constitution that would deepen what he has called his “illiberal democracy”.

The win will be seen as a blow to Brussels and a further vindication of the brand of populist identity politics which he has made his trademark since coming to office in 2010.