Helena Dollimore is the new MP for Hastings and Rye. The Labour candidate received 19,134 votes – a majority of 8.653 and almost twice as many votes as the Conservative candidate and former MP Sally-Ann Hart.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the results were announced Helena Dollimore said: “It is the privilege of my life to be elected as the Labour member of parliament for Hastings and Rye. People have voted resoundingly here in Hastings and Rye, and up and down the country, for change with Labour. Now the work begins to focus on their priorities and getting this country back on its feet.”
The MP spent the morning of election day canvassing for votes in Rye. “We have been out knocking on doors in this campaign, and for many years before that, and we have heard from people how much they are crying out for change.”
Referencing flooding that has plagued the area, the cost of living crisis, the NHS, housing, making streets safe and ‘giving every child in Hastings and Rye the best start in life’, she added: “That is what a Labour government and me as our Labour MP are going to get to work on.”
The result was declared as expected at 4.45 am on Friday July 5 after ballots from across the constituency were counted at Horntye Park in Hastings. The turnout was 61%, down 8.9% on the 2019 election.
In the neighbouring Bexhill and Battle constituency, which covers many villages to the rest of Rye, it was a much closer race. The Conservatives held on to the seat, but with a reduced majority. Kieran Mullan won with 16,186 votes (33.90%), while Labour’s Christine Bayliss took 13,529 votes (28.33%).
In Hastings and Rye a Labour win was never really in doubt, as these constituency projections based on MRP polling data over the course of the election show.
Election day in Rye also saw many people sharing their #dogsatpollingstations pictures.
Image Credits: Chris Lawson , KT Bruce , James Stewart , Chris O'Donoghue .
Congratulations Helena. We all wish you the very best in a difficult time for the country. I think most reasonable people accept that change will come slowly knowing the economic limitations the new government has inherited. There is so much work that needs to be done.
Congratulations Helena, and commiserations to Sally-Ann Hart who I’m sure will stick around to work for her community. Well done to the other candidates for having the courage to stand. And many thanks to all those who worked to make this election such a well-ordered exercise; when we went to Tilling Green to vote it was all beautifully organized. I agree with Paul Camic that change won’t happen overnight, but I know the incoming government will do its best to keep its promises and will trust Helena to be focused on her constituency amid the excitement of being a brand-new MP.
Well said Jane.
I feel so proud that our community has elected such a hardworking and talented MP. Helena has worked incredibly hard to get here, and as she says in her acceptance speech will represent the whole of the community. Believe me however, real hard work starts in earnest today. Thanks to everyone who has helped bring this about.
Long Time Coming
a long time coming, this day, this election
so please forgive a tiny sigh. Relief!
the grown-ups are back in the room
the bullies expelled. A long-delayed thrill
back to work, and much work to be done
repairs and reparations, heartfelt renewals
not in the mood for bellowing our deliverance
but listen close for a rejoiced sincerity
we will get there. We will get back. Today
is just the first of many new, renewed days
Congrats Helena. You and the team have worked so hard to get to know Rye as well as Hastings and I know you will bring this understanding to Westminster. Very best of luck.