Kensington’s Conservative candidate swept to victory in the traditionally rock-sold Tory seat last night, securing a majority of 7,361.
The seat, which had a 56.8% turnout, saw former Deputy Mayor of London Victoria Borwick win 18,199 votes.
Labour’s Dr Rod Abouharb finished second with 10,838 votes, Robin McGhee (Liberal Democrats) came third with 1,962 votes, Robina Rose (The Green Party) polled fourth on 1,765 votes while Jack Bovill (UKIP) trailed in fifth with 1,557 votes.
From the smaller parties, Tony Auguste (Cannabis is Safer than Alcohol) received 211 votes, Andrew Knight (Animal Welfare Party) 158 votes, Toby Abse (The Alliance for Green Socialism) came back with 115 and Roland Courtenay (New Independent Centralists) gave 23.
Speaking to SW Londoner following the result Lady Borwick MP said: “I think the important thing to realise about Kensington is that it’s not a borough that’s full of the rich and famous.
“It has a reputation of that but actually there are a lot of people who are in pockets of deprivation.
“Behind those white stucco buildings there is a lot of loneliness and isolation.”
“There is plenty to do in representing the people of Kensington in Parliament and I think it’s very important that we tackle housing, which is obviously top of the list.”
Historically the Kensington seat has never been far from controversy.
Sir Nicholas Scott famously left prior to the 1997 general election over accusations of alcoholism after being found in a gutter in Bournemouth.
While previous incumbent Sir Malcolm Rifkind stepped down in February this year following a ‘cash for access’ newspaper sting.
Lady Borwick not only beat eight other candidates today, but bested 130 applicants gunning for the prized Tory seat in March.
