Christchurch MP Chope spent the most out of all local candidates in 2019 General Election
SIR Christopher Chope spent thousands more than any other local candidate in last year’s General Election – nearly twice the second-highest, figures have revealed.
The veteran Tory splashed out £1,583 on hotel stays, £360 on his agent and staff, and £300 on personal expenses. In total he spent £10,628, although £10,185 of that came through donations, and comfortably retained the Christchurch constituency seat with 65% of the vote.
Sir Christopher’s re-election bid bill was far higher than any other candidates across the New Forest West, East and Christchurch constituencies.
Somewhat surprisingly, Green candidate Nick Bubb (£5,964) spent the most getting his message across in New Forest West, and it helped him win fourth place behind Labour’s Jo Graham, Liberal Democrat Jack Davies (who spent £3,371) and Tory Sir Desmond Swayne.
The latter comfortably retained his seat with a 63.8% share of the vote, having spent £3,007 – which included £949 on his election agent and staff, £447 on hotel bills and £111 on transport expenses. He did not accept any donations, the figures revealed.
In New Forest East, where sitting incumbent Dr Julian Lewis easily retained his seat, the winner spent £4,560, including £317 on agent and staff, £147 on personal expenses and £100 on hotels.
The biggest advertiser in that constituency was Liberal Democrat Bob Johnston, who took out £165 worth of ads. He also attracted the highest donation figure (£1,980).
All the figures can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk