Fallon Landslide
Tory MP Michael Fallon romped to victory with his biggest majority since he was first elected in 1997.
With his political opponents expecting his vote to be slashed, Mr Fallon has remained tight-lipped about his prospects all week.
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MP Michael Fallon speaking at the election debate in Sevenoaks on Monday evening PV2604104/62
But even he seemed surprised when returning officer Robin Hales declared him the winner with 28,076 - a majority of 17,515.
After paying tribute to the other candidates, he told the Chronicle: "I'm delighted. It's a big increase in the majority and the share of the vote - 57 per cent."
Lib Dem Dr Alan Bullion came second with 10,561, but was disappointed with his share of the vote, hoping for 14,000.
It was Labour man Gareth Siddorn whose vote took the biggest pounding.
He picked up just 6,541 - some 2,560 less than in 2005.
UKIP's Chris Heath pipped the BNP's Paul Golding to fourth place.
They polled 1,782 and 1,384 respectively.
English Democrat Louise Uncles polled 806 and Independent Mark Ellis got just 258.
Turnout was 71.12 per cent.
See Thursday's Chronicle for the full story.
3 Comments
by Alan Bullion, Sevenoaks
Monday, May 10 2010, 1:19PM
“The Lib Dems and other opposition parties did indeed draw attention to Fallon's expenses and his London flat. One small crumb of comfort is that the London flat will no longer be paid for by Sevenoaks taxpayers under new House of Commons rules.”
by DB, Sevenoaks
Sunday, May 09 2010, 7:20AM
“I agree, Ranter.
Unfortunately, this election has shown that most people have either forgotten or do not care about the expenses scandal. The real abusers like Jacqui Smith may have gone, but those who have stayed within the rules but are still needlessly wasting public money have not been punished.
The Tory MP for Weybridge even boasted at a hustings that he would carry on claiming as much as he can for a second home until a rule change prevents him from doing so. He was also voted back with an increased majority.
The problem is that there is no incentive for these MPs to do the right thing. They can do whatever they want and still be guaranteed of getting voted back into seat like this.
The Tory MP for”
by Ranter, Sevenoaks
Friday, May 07 2010, 4:57PM
“http://parliament.telegraph.co.uk/mpsexpenses/expense-microsite/mp-details/Michael-Fallon/mp-10194
Whilst I never expected the result to be anything else I'm bewildered why no-one gave Mr F something to think about. Why does a man who lives a 30 minute train journey from work like thousands of other NEED a second home paid for by us? A nice little earner and now he has a mandate to carry on. It would have been ncie to have had a real apology. He's better than a Labour or Lib-Dem MP...but only just!”