Croydon North – Steve Reed retains seat for Labour in election
By Tara O’Connor BBC Local Government Correspondent
There were no surprises in Croydon North tonight when Labour’s Steve Reed kept hold of the constituency.
The former leader of Lambeth Council was first elected to represent the constituency in a 2012 by-election.
In the 2019 General Election he won with 36,495 votes, that’s 65 per cent of the vote.
He said: “It has been a good clean fight on all sides, thank you for participating.
“Confidence and faith in me for the fourth time now in seven years.
“It’s the absolute honour of my life to serve the people of Croydon North.
“The results nationally for the Labour party are devastating and this morning we are all hurt very very much.
“I do fear what this government will mean for our community in Croydon North. For schools, the NHS, our older people, our children many whom are living in poverty.
“I hope they will see better in the years to come.
“To everyone in our community I say this. I will always stand up on your side and hold this government to account. And work flat out to represent your voice in parliament.”
Coming in second was Conservative candidate Donald Ekekhomen with 11,822 votes.
It was the first time he has stood in an election and described it as an interesting experience.
He said: “My first campaign was nice and different. I had a lot of support from party members and local friends and relatives.
“I am in it for the long run now I would definitely stand again if I was chosen.”
A total of 55,776 ballot papers were returned in Croydon North, equivalent to a 63.05 per cent turnout.
There were 157 spoilt ballot papers.
The full results were:
Steve Reed, Labour: 36,495
Donald Ekekhomen, Conservative: 11,822 votes
Claire Bonham, Liberal Democrats: 4,478
Rachel Chance, The Green Party: 1,629
Chidi Ngwaba, Brexit Party: 839
Candace Mitchell, Christian People’s Alliance: 348
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
