Politics

The London constituencies to watch tonight in UK general election 2019



Seats in London could prove the difference in this election with high-profile candidates hoping to boost their parties’ totals. 

The prime minister himself, a former Tory leader and a number of party defectors make up the candidates vying for the votes. 

Although the polls would appear to be giving Boris Johnson and his Conservatives a majority, elections are rarely without their surprises. Even if it goes the way it’s predicted overall, there are likely to be some shocks and upsets. 

The Standard takes a look at the London seats which could throw up some surprises…

Uxbridge & Ruislip South

(Getty Images)

Boris Johnson’s own seat is likely a safe one but he does hold smallest majority for a prime minister since 1924.

After gaining a lead of around 5,000 last time out it’s not one of the closest – but it would prove the most spectacular upset of the election if it were to go against him.

Technically he could still be PM even if he lost his seat, by being made a Lord. It is then expected Dominic Raab would represent him in the Commons.

But calls for a resignation would surely mount if he were to fail to secure a spot in the Commons.

Kensington

Sam Gyimah in Portobello Market (Jeremy Selwyn)

Labour won this in 2017 – but with a majority of only 20.

This year, all three of the major parties will be vying for the seat – and think they’re in with a chance to win it.

Former Tory minister turned Lib Dem hopeful Sam Gyimah is standing – with the party hoping its pro remain stance could win over the crowd. However, some anticipate his standing could do nothing but take seats from Labour – which could mean gifting it to the Tories.

Finchley and Golders Green

Luciana Berger was joined by Hugh Grant when she went out canvassing (Getty Images)

Finchley & Golders Green first looked to be a dog fight between two parties – Labour and the Conservatives.

The Tories won it last time out but nothing like convincingly – and Labour would need a swing of just 1.6 per cent to take it from them.

The Lib Dems had a fairly poor showing there last time out – but that was before ex-Labour turned Lib Dem Luciana Berger was contesting the spot.

A big name and an experienced MP, she’ll fancy her chances in the area.

The remain ticket in what is a largely pro-European area could help too – but she will have to swing the vote by 20 per cent to gain the seat.

Richmond Park

The Lib Dems are hoping to unseat Zac Goldsmith in Richmond (AFP via Getty Images)

Zac Goldsmith of the Conservatives has the seat at the moment but on a slim majority of just 45.

The Lib Dems were just off in 2017 and will hope this time to take it from the Tories.

A 71 per cent remain seat, the issue of Brexit could well see voters defecting to the Lib Dems for their ardent stance on revoking Article 50.

Cities of London and Westminster

Nickie Aiken will contest the seat (JEREMY SELWYN)

This is currently a Conservative seat, but the Tories’ Brexit determination might not be going down very well with the electorate – given 72 per cent of people here voted remain.

With Mark Field standing down, Nickie Aiken will be trying to retain the constituency.

However, the Lib Dems’ Chuka Umunna will hope he can win it. He’s a high profile figure, a former Labour rising-star before his defection. That teamed with his party’s ardent remain stance could tip it in his favour.

Chipping Barnet

Theresa Villiers (PA)

Theresa Villiers received a majority of just 353 at the last election and this year faces tough competition for the seat from the Labour candidate.

Chingford & Woodford Green

Iain Duncan Smith is a key Boris Johnson ally (REUTERS)

Iain Duncan Smith has held this seat since 1997, but his majority shrank in the last election to just shy of 2,500.

Labour has heavily targeted his spot – and the former Tory leader who currently holds it has come in for staunch criticism. Known as a key politician behind the controversial universal credit, the backlash surrounding that could also be an issue for him. He’d certainly be one of the biggest names to lose his seat.

 

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