General election 2019: Tory candidate beats David Gauke as Conservatives hold on to South West Hertfordshire

Conservative candidate Gagan Mohindra has been elected as MP for South West Hertfordshire after winning a majority in the traditionally Tory seat.

By Harry Cheesewright

Published 13th Dec 2019, 05:30 BST

Updated 13th Dec 2019, 05:31 BST

The Essex councillor received 30,327 votes, fighting off tough opposition party candidates including Independent and former MP David Gauke.

Former Justice Secretary Gauke who represented the constituency until he lost the whip in September picked up 15,919 votes.

The result means South West Hertfordshire constituency has been held by the Tories ever since its inception in 1950.

Labour candidate Ali Aklakul received 7,228 votes in what was a difficult day for Labour.

Gagan also faced a strong challenge from Lib Dem and ex-Hemel candidate Sally Symington, after she won 6,251 vote.

Tom Pashby, who represented the Greens, received 1,466 votes.