Six new MPs in Cornwall reacting to General Election result

Perran Moon, Camborne and Redruth’s new Labour MP beat Tory rival Connor Donnithorne by 8,000 votes. After two hours’ sleep, he said he said of last night's General Election result: “Waking up to a Cornwall that has no Tory MPs in it was like a dream. It’s unbelievable. It was a very, very pleasing result.

“When we started this campaign three years ago in Camborne, Redruth and Hayle there was a small group of us recovering from political PTSD from the 2019 election. It’s just built and built since then.

“The absolute core of it was ensuring that every week, then twice a week, then three times a week, then seven days a week we were out knockingn on doors and talking to people. That built its own momentum – it was hugely impactful and people liked the directness and engagement. Even if we didn’t agree you’d leave the doorstep with a smile and good wishes on 99.9 per cent of occasions.”

So, what are you going to do for the people of Camborne and Redruth?

“The first thing I’m going to do is get on a train on Monday morning and head up to Westminster. I’m keen to arrange meetings with the relevant ministries in the areas that are most important for us based on that two-and-a-half years of knocking on doors – housing, dentistry, the NHS, renewable jobs. The job we really must crack on with is the filth being belched into our sea.”

New Labour MP for Camborne and Redruth Perran Moon celebrates at the Carn Brea count with daughter Tamara (Pic: Perran Moon)

Andrew George, who was Lib Dem MP for the St Ives constituency between 1997 and 2015, regained the seat from the Conservatives’ Derek Thomas by a huge 13,000 majority.

In his acceptance speech, Mr George said: “So the work begins. To restore our NHS and care services. To secure genuine housing justice. To restore our nature and combat the climate crisis. To combat the widening inequality in our society. To restore our reputation in the world. To re-establish values of decency, integrity, justice, and kindness at the centre of our politics.

“As I have done before, I will fight for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly; to ensure our voice is heard in Westminster. That means working across parties, seeking common cause, but also taking the tough decisions for the public good and the best outcome for our area.

“As before, I will always put the best interests of our area above party tribalism – as I always have done. As I did when I was our MP, I will seek to be a voice for those who’ve been handed an unfair deal in life. As before, I am committed to combat the injustices which so many people suffer. As I did when I was our MP, I will fight for a fair deal for our area.”

Andrew George is returning to the St Ives constiuency as MP after a nine-year absence

In arguably the biggest shock in Cornwall, Labour’s Anna Gelderd took the South East Cornwall seat from Sheryll Murray by just under 2,000 votes. She said: “We have made history in South East Cornwall with our first ever Labour MP here. Thank you to the people who voted, and I want to give thanks to Sheryll Murray for her 14 years of service.

“Whether you live in a town or a village, make a living on a farm, from the sea or in an office, I will represent each of you and be the fresh start we all need. The hard work of change starts now.”

Labour’s Noah Law beat Steve Double by around 2,500 votes to gain the St Austell and Newquay seat. He said: “I’m under no illusions as to the challenges ahead, but Labour offers the tools to address them. I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to get to work for us.

“We’re fighting for economic security, cheaper bills, safer streets, the NHS back on its feet, secure borders, and better opportunities for the next generation in Cornwall. I will stand up and be a voice that we seldom had in Westminster with Cornish Labour MPs in a Labour government. We ran this election as a changed Labour party, and thank you for putting your trust in us to change the country.”

Labour’s Jayne Kirkham took the Truro and Falmouth seat from Cherilyn Mackrory with 8,000 votes between them. In her acceptance speech, Ms Kirkham said: “Truro and Falmouth and Cornwall indeed have so much potential and so much to offer the rest of the country. Our creativity will be so beneficial to the rest of the country.”

Jayne Kirkham at one of Falmouth's polling stations yesterday

However, she warned that it won’t be easy, adding: “There is so much to do here. We have huge challenges. There are big issues with housing, the NHS, the cost of dentistry, the cost of living, our water and the environment, and low wages.

“These are the things you told me on the doorsteps that need fixing and what your priorities are. The scales of the challenges here are large. There are no magic wands and things will take time but as a Labour MP as part of a Labour government, I can work to ensure that the people of Truro and Falmouth and Cornwall have a strong part to play in a bright future for our country.

“We have had enough of chaotic politics. It’s now a time for serious government to deliver for and to serve the people that we represent and rebuild the country together. It’s time to get on with the job that you sent me to Westminster to do.”

Read more from Ms Kirkham here: Truro and Falmouth's new MP shares her priorities after convincing win at poll

The new Lib Dem MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, beat Scott Mann by 24,904 votes to 14,137. He said: “Thank you to each and every single person who has supported me, campaigned with me and voted for me this election. I mean it when I say that it is the greatest privilege of my life and that I will not let you down. Thank you!”