As the newly elected parliament is opened, over the coming days we will be profiling some of the new LGBTQ+ MPs who have been elected to the House of Commons.
Their inclusion on our site does not indicate that they campaigned on LGBTQ+ issues, although we will report as such if they have, but that they are openly ‘out’ and as such have the opportunity to represent our broadening communities in parliament.
A former Southampton City Councillor, openly gay Paul Holmes has held Eastleigh for the Conservatives with an increased majority. Once very much a marginal constituency, Eastleigh has become a safe Tory seats in recent years. Holmes won with a larger vote share than his predecessor Mims Davies who opted to stand this time in Mid Sussex. Holmes was expected to win since the Brexit Party and Ukip stood aside to consolidate the Conservatives national Brexit position. Although even with the Brexit party the Conservatives were expected to win although perhaps more narrowly.
In his acceptance speech Mr. Holmes said: “This result shows I think, that the people of Eastleigh have voted to see their decision that they made in 2016 is delivered and as promised I’ll vote for the Prime Minister’s deal next week in Parliament so that we leave the European Union”.
Eastleigh had been a Liberal Democrat target seat but their vote collapsed locally. Holmes said upon victory: “my first priority will, is, and always will be the people of Eastleigh and every day I am elected to serve this constituency I will repay their trust and hopefully over the next five years we can work together to make it an even better place.”
Paul Holmes did not campaign on LGBTQ+ issues directly.
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