THE VALE’s newly-elected MPs have delivered pledges on fairer funding, the NHS, climate change and Brexit after returning to Westminister as part of the only the third Conservative majority Government in the past three decades.
Both Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston and Pershore’s MP Harriett Baldwin increased their majorities on a dramatic night which saw Boris Johnson returned as Prime Minister with an 80 seat majority, the biggest Conservative majority in Parliament since 1987.
Mr Huddleston and Mrs Baldwin both collected a record number of votes to win their respective constituencies, beating their previous records set in the June 2017 poll.
The Mid Worcestershire MP polled 37,426, which was 28,018 more than Labour candidate Helen Russell. She finished on 9,408 with Margaret Rowley (Liberal Democrat) on 6,474.
The Green Party’s Sue Howarth received 2,177 with Monster Raving Loony Party candidate Barmy Brockman fourth on 638. Mr Huddleston saw his majority increase by more than 4,000 to make Mid Worcestershire one of the safest Tory seats in the country.
Meanwhile in West Worcestershire Mrs Baldwin polled 34,909 votes to win a commanding 24,499 vote majority over Liberal Democrat Beverley Nielsen in second place with 10,410.
Labour’s Samantha Charles finished third on 9,496 while the Green Party’s Martin Allen came home fourth with 2,715. Mrs Baldwin added more than 3,000 votes to her 2017 majority to extend her nine year stay as the town’s MP.
Speaking before the Queen’s Speech on Thursday (December 19), Mr Huddleston said he was delighted and honoured to have been elected as the MP for Mid Worcestershire.
In his speech on the steps of Downing Street the Prime Minister promised to repay the trust of the first-time Tory voters who helped propel him into power and Mr Huddleston echoed his sentiments.
“I look forward to getting down to work and serving all my constituents no matter who they voted for,” Mr Huddleston said.
Mrs Baldwin said: “I’ve walked hundreds of miles over the last month making my case to the West Worcestershire electorate and I am delighted this local endorsement is matched by a successful series of results across the country.
“I hope that we can now focus on delivering Brexit and get on with the task of delivering on the people’s priorities. I have listened to local voters and will champion their causes – fairer funding for our local schools, supporting our local NHS and taking urgent action on climate change,” she added.
