EVESHAM’s new MP Nigel Huddleston has said he will represent everyone in the Vale after he retained the Mid Worcestershire seat for the Conservatives at the General Election.
Mr Huddleston claimed 29,763 votes, a staggering 20,532 more than UKIPs Richard Keel who finished in second place, to maintain the Conservative hold over Mid Worcestershire following on from Sir Peter Luff who stepped down earlier this year.
Speaking after the result, Mr Huddleston, said: “I’m absolutely delighted, I don’t take this lightly and I’m well aware I got an awesome responsibility ahead of me now and following Sir Peter’s footsteps is quite a challenge, there’s no doubt about that.
“But to have that degree of confidence put in me in terms of the votes is quite incredible and I very much appreciate it and don’t take any of it for granted.
Mr Keel said: “I’m very pleased with the night, we’ve gone from fourth place challenger to second place challenger and gained way more votes compared to what we had five years ago so as a party we are going forward in Mid Worcestershire.”
The Liberal Democrats had a tough night nationally losing the majority of their seats and this was reflected in Mid Worcestershire as candidate Margaret Rowley fell to fourth place from second five years ago.
Mrs Rowley said: “Obviously it’s very disappointing for us because we got 23 per cent last time and came second so I was hoping to retain that position.
“I think we’ve done an excellent job in coalition but unfortunately we haven’t got credit for that.
“People were happy with the coalition and therefore they voted Conservative without acknowledging the part we have played and I think that part will be greatly missed because the Conservative polices on there own will be far more drastic.
“Nick Clegg said that we would be the heart in the Conservative Party, well now that heart won’t be there.”
Labour’s Robin Lunn claimed third with Green Party’s Neil Franks finishing fifth as the people of Mid Worcestershire made their voices heard.
The Observer asked Mr Huddleston what the people of Evesham could expect from their new MP and he said: “A lot of hard work, there’s quite a lot of issues going on and there’s quite a lot of fear as well as people are worried about the economy, what’s going to happen to Scotland, health services, the education system and housing development.
“But Sir Peter has taught me a huge amount, one thing he has said to me many times is that your a Conservative candidate but never forget you represent everybody in Mid Worcestershire including the people who did not vote for you and that’s something I will continue to remind myself,” he added.
Neil Franks, Green Party – 1,933
Nigel huddleston, Conservative – 29,763 ELECTED
Richard Keel, UKIP – 9,231
Robin Lunn, Labour Party – 7,548
Margaret Rowley, Liberal Democrats – 3,750
Turnout 71.7 per cent
