Alicia Kearns elected Melton MP on a record majority
She becomes only Melton’s second ever female MP after polling a massive 36,507 votes, 26, 924 more than nearest challenger, Labour’s Andy Thomas.
The result was announced in the sports hall of Melton Sports Village at 4.40am by returning officer, Councillor Malise Graham, the Mayor of Melton.
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After being congratulated by her four rival candidates, Mrs Kearns made her maiden speech, saying: “Thank you so much to the people of Rutland and Melton for putting your trust in me.
“It is the greatest honour of my life to be your voice and advocate and to serve you in parliament.
“Rutland and Melton is a singularly special place, alive with community spirit and friendliness and it has been wonderful making it my home.”
She also paid tribute to Anthony Watchorn, who died just a few days before he was due to stand as an Independent in the election and whose funeral was held yesterday.
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Mrs Kearns said: “I want to pay tribute to Anthony Watchorn who so tragically was unable to be with us on this stage after standing up for what he believed in.”
She extended the healthy majority her predecessor, Sir Alan Duncan, enjoyed in 2017.
A total of 58,505 people voted in the Rutland and Melton seat, a turnout of 70.74 per cent, slightly down on two years ago but impressive for a December election.
Mrs Kearns said he priorities when she starts work in Westminster next week will be to help ensure Brexit is completed, end rural disadvantage, support farmers, and protect the rural way of life whilst improving roads and local services.
VOTING RESULT FOR RUTLAND AND MELTON (2019)
Alicia Kearns (Conservative) 36,507 (majority 26,924)
Andy Thomas (Labour) 9,583
Dr Carol Weaver (Liberal Democrat) 7,970
Alastair McQuillan (Green Party) 2,875
Marietta King (UKIP) 917
Anthony Watchorn (Independent) 458
2017 (turnout 73.4%)
Conservative 36,169 (majority 23,104)
Labour 13.065
Liberal Democrats 4,711
UKIP 1,869
Green 1,755
2015 (turnout 68.4%)
Conservative 30,383 (majority 21,705)
UKIP 8,678
Labour 8,383
Liberal Democrats 4,407
Green 2,325
Independent 427
2010 (turnout 71.7%)
Conservative 28,228 (majority 14,000)
Liberal Democrats 14,228
Labour 7,839
UKIP 2,526
BNP 1,757
Independent 588
2005 (turnout 65%)
Conservative 25,237 (majority 12,930)
Labour 12,307
Liberal Democrats 9,153
UKIP 1,554
Veritas 696
Independent 337
2001 (turnout 64.2%)
Conservative 22,621 (majority 8,612)
Labour 14,009
Liberal Democrats 8,386
UKIP 1,223
Green 817