By John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter: Jacob Rees-Mogg has lost his seat in a dramatic loss to the Labour MP he won the seat off 14 years ago.
Labour’s Dan Norris beat Sir Jacob with 20,739 votes to his 15,420. Reform UK, whose voters Sir Jacob had urged to support him as they would get “90% of what they want,” scooped 7,424 votes — enough to have made the difference if they had backed the Conservatives.
In his concession speech, Sir Jacob congratulated Mr Norris and Labour leader Keir Starmer and thanked his team and constituency staff. He ended by quoting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang inventor Caracatus Potts: “From the ashes of disaster grow the roses of success.” He then had to contend with a media scrum which chased him out of the building.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Norris thanked supporters, adding: “I also want to thank Jacob Rees-Mogg. He has done a very good job in supporting his constituency — up until now obviously. I know exactly how that feels because Mr Rees-Mogg gave me that compliment 14 years ago and I have been able to return that.”
As well as now being the North East Somerset MP, Mr Norris is also the West of England Metro Mayor, a major role in which his term lasts for another year. Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he added: “It’s my intention to carry on but what I was never going to do was talk about not being the regional mayor until the electorate had a chance to decide what I was going to do as the MP because I would not be so arrogant or disrespectful to assume that.
“They have made their verdict known now. They know I am the regional mayor.
“I now have to get some sleep and then reflect on what has happened and work our how I can best serve the people of North East Somerset and Hanham and the West of England.”
In North East Somerset and Hanham, and in many areas across the country, a swing from Conservatives to Reform was a factor in the Labour win. Mr Norris said: “I think any politician who goes away — even though there’s going to be a big Labour landslide — thinking that politicians have given them a big slap on the back would be very foolish.
“Because what became clear in the campaign was the public were very kind and courteous to me but they are very disillusioned with politics and politicians as a whole. And what I take away from that is integrity and honesty are now essential requirements to reinstate in our political system.”
The Liberal Democrats, who fielded veteran local councillor and former council leader Dine Romero, came fourth with 3,878 votes. Speaking as the votes were coming in, Ms Romero said: “Nationally, it’s fantastic to hear what’s being predicted for the Lib Dems. […] Obviously I’m disappointed it appears I may not be part of that team but we will keep on battling.”
Coming last in the seat was Barmy Brunch, the Monster Raving Loony Party candidate, with 211 votes. He stood on a platform of bringing in a statutory brunch hour but also doing more on mental health, wearing a striking balaclava patterned with baked beans and breakfast foods.
The results in full are:
- Dan Norris (Labour) 20,739 (40.57%)
- Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative) 15,420 (30.16%)
- Paul MacDonnell (Reform) 7,424 (14.52%)
- Dine Romero (Liberal Democrat) 3,878 (7.59%)
- Edmund Cannon (Green) 3,222 (6.30%)
- Nicholas Hales (Independent) 231 (0.45%)
- Barmy Brunch (Monster Raving Loony Party) 211 (0.41%)
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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