Suella Braverman victorious in Battle of Waterlooville against fellow Tory MP

06 April 2023 , 08:42

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Home Secretary Suella Braverman (Image: Phil Harris)

Suella Braverman is set to remain as a Tory MP after surviving a selection fight dubbed the "Battle of Waterlooville".

Constituency boundary changes meant the Home Secretary had to compete against Conservative backbencher Flick Drummond to represent the proposed new seat of Fareham and Waterlooville at the general election, expected next year.

Mrs Braverman, 43, who currently represents the Fareham constituency, beat Meon Valley MP Ms Drummond, 60, by 77 votes to 54 in a poll of local party members.

Defeated Ms Drummond admitted: "I am incredibly disappointed but will continue to be Meon Valley MP and serve my constituents until the next election."

Victorious Mrs Braverman said: "I'd like to thank my Conservative Party association for adopting me as their candidate for the new Fareham and Waterlooville seat.

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"I'm immensely honoured to have the chance to continue to represent my constituents in parliament. It has been a great privilege to be the MP for this area since 2015 and I will not tire in fighting to bring positive change for the people of Fareham and Waterlooville.

"I also want to thank my parliamentary colleague Flick Drummond MP for her excellent work for the people of Meon Valley."

Tory party chairman Greg Hands tweeted: "Congratulations Suella Braverman for being selected for Fareham & Waterlooville!

"Boundary changes are important, but some complicated selections are inevitable.

"Flick is a brilliant MP - we are all part of one Conservatives family & she has the Party's support for the future."

The race saw Brexiteer former Attorney General Mrs Braverman pitched against pro-European centrist Ms Drummond.

Controversial Mrs Braverman’s profile has soared in recent months with her tilt for the Tory leadership and policies to curb Chanel migrants.

In contrast, backbencher Ms Drummond has rarely hit the headlines.

A number of constituency changes have been proposed across the UK as part of the 2023 boundary review.

Ms Drummond keeps a low profile

The review started in January 2021, and its final recommendations are due to be presented by July 1 this year, with changes expected before the next election.

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The Boundary Commission for England has closed its "final consultation" and is considering the feedback received.

Its plans would remove the existing Meon Valley and Fareham constituencies.

Ms Drummond represented Portsmouth South between 2015 and 2017, and has represented Meon Valley since 2019.

Ms Braverman has represented the Fareham constituency since 2015.

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Ben Glaze