Several former Conservative MPs from the north of England have decided to move south to seek re-election in new constituencies in the south or midlands. Kieran Mullan, who was elected as the MP for Crewe and Nantwich in Cheshire in 2019, is now standing in Bexhill and Battle, East Sussex, where the Tories hold a significant majority. Chris Clarkson, who previously represented Heywood & Middleton in Greater Manchester, is now a candidate in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, where the Conservative party will be defending a substantial majority. Neil Hudson, who served as MP for Penrith and the Border in Cumbria, will now compete in Epping Forest, Essex, following changes in constituency boundaries that led to his old seat being abolished.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew, who was the MP for Pudsey in West Yorkshire since 2010, is now seeking re-election in Daventry, Northamptonshire, where the Tories also have a comfortable majority. The most notable move is that of Tory chair Richard Holden, the former MP for North Durham, who is now running for Basildon and Billericay in Essex after his previous constituency was eliminated due to boundary changes. This decision was met with controversy locally, with a Tory councillor expressing surprise over the lack of options in the candidate shortlist provided by Conservative headquarters. The term "red wall" refers to traditional Labour strongholds in the north that turned Conservative in the 2019 election, but polls indicate the Tories may face challenges in retaining these seats in the upcoming election on July 4.
Despite the Conservative party winning ten seats in the north east region in the last election, there are predictions that their success in the region may be limited this time around. YouGov analysis suggests that they might only win one seat in North Northumberland in the north east. However, there is a sense of uncertainty among voters, with some questioning whether Labour leader Keir Starmer offers solutions to their problems. Additionally, around 80 Conservative MPs nationwide who were in office before the election have announced that they will not seek re-election, providing those seeking new constituencies with multiple options to pursue in the upcoming elections.
6 Comments
PeterV
These MPs are simply making a strategic move to ensure they can continue to represent their constituents effectively in Parliament.
AlanDV
It's important for politicians to consider their re-election chances in order to continue making a positive impact in Parliament.
PeterV
By running in safer seats in the south, these MPs are abandoning the working class communities that put their faith in them.
AlanDV
It's a sign of strength and determination that these MPs are willing to put themselves out there in new areas to represent the party.
PeterV
The concept of politicians moving to safer seats just goes to show how broken the electoral system is in this country.
Habibi
It's a slap in the face to the voters who trusted these MPs to stand up for them in Parliament.