Historic night as political map in South West undergoes seismic change

The political  map across the South West has  undergone a dramatic and historic change in the wake of the General Election.

A whole host of senior Conservatives have lost their seats and the region has elected its first ever Green MP.

Big Conservative names to fall include Transport Secretary Mark Harper, former minister Jacob Rees-Mogg, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Michelle Donelan and Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer.

The first big name to fall in the region was  former justice secretary Sir Robert Buckland who lost Swindon South to Labour’s Heidi Alexander.

He hit out at fellow Conservatives in an angry interview.

“I’ve watched colleagues strike poses, write inflammatory op-eds and say stupid things they have no evidence for…I’ve had enough of it,” he said.

Labour’s West of England Mayor Dan Norris defeated Jacob Rees-Mogg in North East Somerset.

The result will mean that he will have to stand down as the region’s mayor.

He said: “It’s a great honour to serve the people of Keynsham, North East Somerset, Hanham and surrounding areas. This is my home. I’m deeply proud of all our communities and want our part of the world to be the best it can be.

“Keir Starmer changed the Labour Party and he will now change the country for the better. This is a victory for integrity: no more one more rule for them, another for everyone else.

“It’s a victory for stability: never forget the economic chaos for which the British people are still paying the price.”

Jacob Rees-Mogg ended his speech with a  unusual quote: “From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success.”

The quote came from Caractacus Potts, one of the characters from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

There was some bad news Labour in Bristol Central with Thangam Debbonaire losing out to Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer.

Carla Denyer, has told BBC News the UK has an “unfair voting system” in her first interview after being elected.

Ms Denyer’s result saw a large swing to the Green Party in the new constituency.

One of the Conservative’s most senior politicians to lose his seat was former minister Liam Fox.

He looked emotional as his 32 year reign came to an end and said “that’s how it goes in politics”.

The Conservatives have lost all six of their seats in Cornwall.

Labour wins included Camborne & Redruth, South East Cornwall, St Austell & Newquay, and Truro & Falmouth.

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said: “We congratulate the new Prime Minister and his government. We look forward to working with our newly elected Members of Parliament to make our region the best place to live, learn and work.

“We welcome the Labour Party’s commitment to an enduring partnership with business to deliver the economic growth and stability that we need. We also welcome the commitment to involving industry, trade unions and civil society in its plans for growth so we can contribute to building a stronger economy in all parts of the country.

“Our region has a vital role to play in driving UK productivity, increasing international trade and powering sustainable and inclusive growth. To do this, business needs the right environment to provide good, well-paid, jobs and deliver the investment that will help fund decent public services and improvements to living standards and infrastructure.

“Our region has great economic strengths, and we ask that this potential is fully harnessed. We need ambitious plans to tackle our longstanding challenges to help kickstart economic growth. These challenges include transport connectivity, housing, and planning.”

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “Congratulations to Keir Starmer on becoming our new Prime Minister at the head of this country’s first Labour government in 14 years.

“With the country deciding it is time for change and new leadership, we urge his government to immediately seize this opportunity to unequivocally place the economy and business at the heart of its policies.

“As the voice of business in Dorset, we will be working closely with fellow members of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to encourage the government to use this new start to rebuild economic confidence and tackle the myriad challenges holding business back.”

 

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