Description
The boundary changes pitted the Secretary of the Interior against a representative for the New Hampshire seat Suella Braverman won a battle to be selected for the proposed new constituency of Fareham and Waterlooville, despite concerns from the local Conservative party over her stance on small boats. Changes to constituency boundaries meant that the Home Secretary had to battle Conservative MP for Hampshire Flick Drummond to represent the new seat at the next election.
Eligible party members endorsed Mrs. Braverman in the contest, dubbed the "Battle of Waterlooville", by a vote of 77 to 54.
Ahead of the vote, local Conservative councilor Caroline Brook said she "fundamentally disagrees" with the minister and "will endeavor" to campaign for her in the general election.
Speaking to Times Radio, Ms Brook singled out "ship politics" as a point of contention, partly because the Home Secretary admitted he was "pushing the limits of international law".
He said it "endangers our people living abroad" because the attitude toward the law could irritate foreign governments. She added: "Why should they treat our people fairly in their country?"
Ms Braverman could prove her wrong, Ms Brook admitted. “I am sure that in time I will meet her. And she would pick up the phone and talk to me, which she didn't do during the whole process.
After her defeat in Hampshire, Ms Drummond told PA: "I am incredibly disappointed but I will remain MP for Meon Valley and serve my constituents until the next election."
Braverman in Yorkshire on Wednesday
Various constituency changes have been proposed across the UK as part of the 2023 boundary review.
The review began in January 2021 and its final recommendations are expected by July 1 of this year, with changes expected before the next election.
The Boundary Commission for England has closed its "final consultation" and is reviewing the comments received.
Their plans would remove the existing constituencies of Meon Valley and Fareham, and the two MPs fell out over the proposed new constituency.
Ms Drummond represented Portsmouth South between 2015 and 2017 and has represented Meon Valley since 2019. Ms Braverman has represented Fareham constituency since 2015.
PA wire
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