Conservative Jack Lopresti has been re-elected as member of parliament for the constituency of Filton and Bradley Stoke, registering his fourth successive victory at the ballot box.
Mr Lopresti’s share of the vote dropped slightly to 48.9 percent (from 49.8 percent in 2017) but his majority increased from 4,190 to 5,646 (10.5 percent).
Local Labour activists had been hopeful that their candidate Mhairi Threlfall could build on gains made by their party in 2017, but were disappointed to see their share of the vote fall by 3.3 percentage points to 38.4 percent, reflecting a swing seen across the country.
Liberal Democrat candidate Louise Harris came a distant third in the poll on 9.3 percent, albeit managing to register a 3.3 percentage point increase in vote share compared to her party’s poor performance in 2017.
Jenny Vernon, the Green candidate, secured 2.9 percent of the vote. She was a late replacement for her party’s original candidate Tom Meadowcroft, who caused a storm by standing down and throwing his support behind the Labour candidate in a disagreement over his party’s national ‘Remain pact’ with the Liberal Democrats.
The fifth candidate, former Bradley Stoke mayor Elaine Hardwick, standing for the tiny Citizens Movement Party UK which she had formed just a few months ago, attracted just 257 of the 53,752 valid votes cast.
Turnout in the constituency was 72.6 percent, up from 70.2 percent in 2017.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Lopresti said:
“I felt a real sense on the doorstep that people wanted some clarity. Whether they voted for Brexit or not, they wanted the issue settled.”
He later tweeted:
“A great honour and privilege to be re-elected to serve our local community and country in parliament for the fourth time. Thanks to everyone for their trust and continued support. I will honour and deliver on it.”
“Our mandate is clear: Move forward, deliver Brexit and unite the country.”
Full result:
- Jack Lopresti (Conservative Party) – 26,293 [48.9%; -1.1%]
- Mhairi Threlfall (Labour Party) – 20,647 [38.4%; -3.3%]
- Louise Harris (Liberal Democrats) – 4,992 [9.3%; +3.3%]
- Jenny Vernon (Green Party) – 1,563 [2.9%; +0.6%]
- Elaine Hardwick (Citizens Movement Party UK) – 257 [0.5%]
Note: Delta (±) percentages are percentage point changes in vote share for the candidate’s party compared to 2017.
Photo: Archive image of Jack Lopresti speaking in parliament.
More information and related links:
- 2019 General Election in Filton and Bradley Stoke (BSJ)
- The breakdown on the election in Bristol and South Gloucestershire (Bristol Cable)
- Filton and Bradley Stoke 2019 General Election results – Jack Lopresti wins for the Conservatives (Bristol Post)
- Official result for Filton and Bradley Stoke (SGC)
Reactions from the candidates
A great honour & privilege to be re-elected to serve our local community and country in Parliament for the 4th time. Thanks to everyone for their trust and continued support. I will honour & deliver on it.
Our mandate is clear: Move Forward, Deliver Brexit and Unite the Country.
— Jack Lopresti MP (@JackLopresti) December 13, 2019
So we didn’t win but thanks to everyone who came out and listened to local residents and to everyone who voted to me.
Congrats to @JackLopresti on his 4th term!
— Mhairi Threlfall (@mthrel) December 13, 2019
It wasn't our night but thanks to everyone who supported me. I will continue to fight for a positive relationship with the EU, for action on the climate emergency, for the NHS and fairer funding for our schools. 💛🔶️💛
— Louise Harris 🔶️ (@Louise4FABS) December 13, 2019
