The result was as follows:
Rory Stewart 24,071
Peter Thornton 12,830
Barbara Cannon 5,834
John Stanyer (UKIPP) 1,259
Chris Davidson (BNP) 1,093
Congratulations to Rory Stewart at being elected as our new MP.
Writing this on Monday morning (after a weekend off!) it's with mixed emotions. Our result was actually quite good in the national context. We increased our share of the vote against a campaign which had visits from both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the opposition. The Conservative campaign was extremely well funded and Rory Stewart had a great deal of press coverage but nevertheless we bucked the national trend.
The really great news was the re-election of Tim Farron after a ferocious campaign to overturn his majority of only 267. His new majority of 12,264 is amazing and is of course a larger majority than the Conservative one in Penrith and The Border.
I'd like to thank all voters who supported us. Your good wishes, personally and by email, have been greatly appreciated. Your votes weren't wasted, they are a springboard for the future!
And now, it's back to being your County Councillor for Kirkby Stephen and District Councillor for Whinfell, two of the best jobs in the world!
Keep in touch
Peter
