Tory Blackman increases lead to defy ‘neck and neck’ forecast
A “DELIGHTED” Bob Blackman today increased his majority to retain a seat which has matched every national election winner since 1979.
The 59-year-old Conservative held on to the key battleground constituency of Harrow East after pollsters had predicted a “neck and neck” race with his Labour rival Uma Kumaran, 28.
Former Brent council leader Mr Blackman built on his 3,403 majority from five years ago, taking 50 per cent of the vote to cement a majority of 4,757.
He said: “It’s been truly a privilege to represent the people of Harrow East, the most multicultural, multi-faith seat in the country. I want to thank the voters of Harrow East for their confidence in me.”
Mr Blackman’s confidence was high as he strode into the hall with his wife Nicola at just after 1.20am. He said he was in a “cheerful mood” and hoped the polling was accurate. Results were called at 4.20am.
Mr Blackman said: “It’s a testimony to the hard work the campaign team has put in over the many months.” Ms Kumaran was tipped to take the seat from Tory control by a handful of votes, and even an hour before the declaration many activists expected a recount if the candidates were within a few thousand votes of each other. Ms Kumaran, a political aide to Isling ton council leader Richard Watts and a volunteer hospital radio presenter, said t he c ampaign had been “deeply personal”. Liberal Democrat Ross Barlow, TUSC candidate Nana Asante and th e Green Party’s Emma Wallace all lost their deposit. Turnout was just under 70 per cent.