Scuffle breaks out as McDonnell retains his seat
HAYES and Harlington unsurprisingly re-elected John McDonnell, but his majority slipped dramatically.
The veteran MP, who is considered second-incommand at the Labour Party, managed 24,545 votes in the December 12 polls, but his majority over Conservative councillor Wayne Bridges was only 9,261.
However, the passionate trade unionist was greeted by jeers of both “terrorist” and “communist” before a scuffle broke out in the crowd.
The fight broke out while a large group of farright activists began protesting during his speech.
Police rushed into the crowd to try to bring the situation under control as McDonnell was told to “apologise to the IRA’s victims”.
Mr McDonnell said: “It is clear now that there are also fears for our democracy and for the rise of the far right.”
The shadow chancellor lives in the constituency and can often be seen getting involved in local issues like the third runway at Heathrow Airport.
The airport itself fully lies within Mr McDonnell’s constituency and is the area’s biggest employer.
Mr McDonnell has held this seat since 1997 and managed to secure his highest ever number of votes (31,796) and a higher majority (18,115) at the last election in 2017.
But that majority nearly halved this year, with the Conservative challenger Wayne Bridges managed 15,284 votes.
The constituency had one of the heaviest Leave votes in the 2016 Brexit referendum, with 57.8% voting to leave the European Union.
The full results for Hayes and Harlington are below:
■ Chika Amadi – Christian Peoples (187)
■ Harry Boparai – Brexit Party (1,292)
■ Wayne Bridges – Conservative (15,284)
■ Alex Cunliffe – Liberal Democrat (1,947)
■ John McDonnell – Labour (24,545)
■ Christine West – Green (739)