The Mid Dorset and North Poole seat has gone to Michael Tomlinson of the Conservative party.
This constituency has been a Liberal Democrat seat since 2001, when Annette Brooke claimed it from Conservative Christopher Fraser.
Vikki Slade, this year’s Lib Dem candidate, was fighting to keep it as the only non-Tory seat in Dorset. However the Tories have prevailed, turning another Dorset constituency blue.
Following the announcement, Tomlinson thanked the people of Mid Dorset and North Poole for “putting their faith” in him and vowed that he would “work tirelessly” on their behalf.
Our reporter Jason Lewis is at the Lighthouse in Poole and says that Slade is “devastated”.
Vikki Slade left "devastated" and unsure where to go next after the result here in Mid Dorset and North Poole @YourElection15
— Jason Lewis (@_JasonLewis) May 8, 2015
The final count:
Michael Tomlinson for Conservatives: 23,639
Vikki Slade for Liberal Democrats: 13,109
Adrian Oliver for Green Party: 1,321
Awfull, I dont think Tomlinson’s voters knew just what they were losing.
Annette Brook trained Vicki Slade who was well known in the area competent and very capable.
how sad.
Vikki was able to repeat her policies but I formed the impression that she didn’t understand them or their implications.
On top of that, I caught her out a couple of times saying things that were not strictly true. She won’t talk to me now.
Annette Brooke was too busy promoting herself to bother about her party.
Another useless career politician.
Good riddance to bad rubbish !
A dreadful result on a painful night, Annette Brooke worked tirelessly for her constituents, and Vikki, a local, has been dynamic and worked tirelessly throughout the campaign. Michael Tomlinson is local to Whitney, Oxon, so how well can he know or care about his Dorset patch.
Michael is a local man who has lived in the constituency for years – you need to do your research much better.
Annette Brooke was one of a number of MPs on record who paid tribute to Jimmy Savile when he died.
Enough said !