Boris Johnson will fight seat Labour says is 'winnable' at next General Election

16 March 2023 , 23:47

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Boris Johnson holds a 7,000 majority (Image: PA)

Boris Johnson has been re-selected as the Conservative candidate in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.

It comes following speculation that the former prime minister might seek out a safer seat, ahead of the next General Election.

“I can confirm Boris Johnson has been reselected as the Conservative candidate in Uxbridge and South Ruislip,” a spokesman said.

While Mr Johnson holds a 7,000 vote majority, his seat is seen as a target for Labour at the next election.

Allies of Mr Johnson have always rejected any suggestion he would seek a new or safer seat, despite persistent speculation.

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Since leaving office last September, Mr Johnson has declared more than £1 million in speaking fees.

Labour have targeted the seat at the next election (Getty Images)

He has also made a number of public interventions since exiting Downing Street, earlier this month criticising the deal with the EU Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed to replace elements of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In a statement, the Uxbridge and South Ruislip Conservative Association said: “Tonight the Uxbridge & South Ruislip selection committee adopted Boris Johnson as our parliamentary candidate.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside him to deliver for the residents and communities within the constituency, where he has strong connections and involvement.

“His commitment to deliver a new Hillingdon Hospital for Uxbridge & South Ruislip residents remains at the forefront of his work as our local MP.”

Last month Boris Johnson's rival in his west London constituency insisted the seat is “winnable” for Labour - but the party faces an “incredibly tough” battle.

Danny Beales will stand against Boris Johnson (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Danny Beales, 34, who was selected in December to face the ex-Prime Minister at the next election, told The Mirror he wanted to give the area a “full-time MP”.

The Labour challenger said that under Mr Johnson, people in Uxbridge and South Ruislip "feel like they don’t have an MP” and are struggling to get surgery advice appointments.

The Camden councillor, who grew up in the area before being made homeless at the age of 14, is now aiming to overturn the former PM’s 7,210 majority.

While the constituency has only returned Tory MPs since its creation in 2010, the mood nationally has switched dramatically over the past 12 months.

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