Aldershot: Home of the British Army votes Labour for first time in history

Aldershot – the home of the British Army and a town that had been a Conservative stronghold since the seat was created in 1918 – has a Labour MP for the very first time.

Alex Baker took the seat from the Tories after gaining a 40.7% share (19,764 votes) of the vote – an 18.6-point share change. 

Conservative candidate Leo Docherty, who was most recently armed forces minister, came second with 29% of the votes (14,081).

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Former Army officer Mr Docherty had been the MP for Aldershot since 2017.

Across the country, defence constituencies have seen changes in leadership although some, such as Richmond and Northallerton which is held by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have remained as Conservative seats.

Ms Baker, Aldershot's new MP, wrote on social media: "Humbled beyond words to have been elected as the first ever Labour MP for the home of the British Army.

"After over 100 years of Aldershot & Farnborough only electing Conservatives, we have voted for change. Thank you to my neighbours. I will give everything to repay your trust."

Sir Keir Starmer – who becomes Prime Minister today – has announced that David Lammy will serve as the new Foreign Secretary, and John Healey has been named as the new Defence Secretary.

Last night, former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and veterans minister Johnny Mercer both lost their seats to Labour.