Liberal Democrat Victoria Collins has become the first MP for the new Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency, following what has been a successful election night for the party.
In a seat that was seen as a neck-and-neck race between her and Conservative candidate Nigel Gardner, it ended up being a comfortable win for the Lib Dems. They earned just over 50 per cent of the vote share with 27,282 votes, compared to the Tories’ 16,574.
In third place came Reform UK candidate Saba Poursaeedi, with 4,245 votes; followed by Labour’s Zara Laynewith 4,061 votes; the Green Party’s Paul de Hoest with 1,951 votes; and Mark Patten of the Social Democratic Party with 223 votes.
Speaking about her win, Victoria said: “I am honoured to be elected as the first-ever Member of Parliament for the new constituency of Harpenden and Berkhamsted. This area is my home, and I am so proud to represent the area.
“Thank you to everyone who has voted for change and put their faith in me, as well as those who lent me their vote and for so many people who supported the campaign.
“My priorities are to fix our broken health and social care, help families and businesses with the cost-of-living crisis, and end the sewage scandal. I know, however, you have many more concerns including a failure to support children with special educational and disability needs, unsolved crimes, or the expansion of Luton Airport. I will be your local champion fighting for your causes on a national stage.”
The seat was a key target for the Lib Dems, with party leader Ed Davey concluding their campaign in Harpenden earlier in the week.
The party has had an excellent set of results in the election, earning 70 seats and returning to their former place as the third-largest party in Parliament.
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