General Election 2024: Sir Julian Lewis wins New Forest East, Sir Desmond Swayne retains New Forest West and Sir Christopher Chope takes Christchurch
THE Conservatives retained their stronghold in the New Forest and Christchurch, despite Labour’s landslide win in the General Election.
The New Forest’s Sir Julian Lewis and Sir Desmond Swayne, and Christchurch’s Sir Christopher Chope – who have all held their seats since 1997 – were re-elected following Thursday’s vote.
The count at Applemore leisure centre in Dibden was attended by all candidates for New Forest East and West this morning as they eagerly awaited news.
The candidates competing for a New Forest East seat were: Simon King (Green), Prof Andrew Knight (Animal Welfare), Sir Julian Lewis (Conservative), Mad Hatter (Monster Raving Loony), Sasjkia Otto (Labour), Roy Swales (Reform UK) and Caroline Rackham (Lib Dems).
Those hoping to be elected for New Forest West were: Reginald Chester-Sterne (Reform UK), Dr Anna Collar (Green), Jack Davies (Liberal Democrats), Dr Sally Johnson (Labour), Gavin Ridley (Animal Welfare), Paul Simon (Social Democratic), Sir Desmond Swayne (Conservative).
The results for New Forest East came first, at around 3.30am, while New Forest West results were announced at around 4.50am.
Sir Julian won with 17,412 votes, while Labour candidate Sasjkia Otto came second with 8,917. Reform UK’s Roy Swales received 7,646, Lib Dems’ Caroline Rackham 7,198, and Green’s Simon King 3,118.
Speaking afterwards, he said he was “thrilled” to have been elected for the eighth time and that locals had continued to put their confidence in him.
He also thanked the teams who had put in long shifts at the polling stations and counting staff, as well as his wife, Fiona, for her support. He praised his team for their “formidable” campaign.
Reform UK’s Roy Swales had 7,646, Liberal Democrats’ Caroline Rackham 7,198, Green’s Simon King 3,118, Monster Raving Loony’s Mad Hatter 529 and Animal Welfare’s Andrew Knight 410.
New Forest District Council confirmed there had been 146 rejected ballot papers.
Sir Desmond retained his seat with 16,412 votes, followed by Labour’s Sally Johnston with 10,812.
He said he was “relieved” to have won and thanked counting staff and the “tremendous” election organisation of NFDC, as well as his agent and canvassing team who were “pounding doors”.
He also thanked his wife for her support and the other candidates for “a good natured and clean fight”.
Liberal Democrats’ Jack Davies had 8,186, Reform UK’s Reginald Chester-Sterne 7,577, Green’s Anna Collar 2,800, Animal Welfare’s Gavin Ridley 393 and Social Democratic’s Paul Simon 157.
There were 152 rejected ballot papers for New Forest West.
In Christchurch, results were announced just after 6am. The candidates competing for a seat were: Robin Adamson (Reform UK); Sir Christopher Chope (Conservative); Mike Cox (Liberal Democrats); Susan Graham (Green); Joanna Howard (Labour); Sasha Jolliffe (Animal Welfare); Simon McCormack (Independent); Trevor Parsons (Social Democratic), Steve Unwin (Ukip).
Christopher Chope was elected with 16,941 votes.
Liberal Democrats’ Mike Cox came second with 9,486, Reform UK’s Robin Adamson took third with 8,961 votes, followed by Labour’s Joanna Howard with 7,762 and Green’s Susan Graham with 1,900.
Independent candidate Simon McCormack had 1,728, Animal Welfare’s Sasha Yasawi 335, Ukip’s Steve Unwin 163 and Social Democratic’s Trevor Parsons 59.
There were 143 papers rejected.
The turnout for this year’s election was lower than in 2019. In New Forest East there was a 64% turnout, New Forest West 68% and 67% in Christchurch.
In 2019 the turnout was 69.31% for New Forest East, 71.3% for West, and 72.6% for Christchurch.
That year, Sir Julian Lewis for New Forest East received 32,769 votes while Sir Desmond Swayne, for New Forest West, took 32,113. Sir Christopher Chope received 33,894.
A referendum on the Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan was also approved, after residents went to the polls the same day.
New Forest District Council confirmed 83% of ballots cast voted in favour.
The council will be asked to formally adopt the plan at their next meeting on Monday.
New Forest East
