Conservative former minister Johnny Mercer loses Plymouth seat

Johnny Mercer was among several big name losses for the Conservative Party in the 2024 general election as Labour swept to landslide victory.

The former Minister for Veterans' Affairs lost the Plymouth Moor View seat he had held since 2015, to Labour's Fred Thomas.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss, commons leader Penny Mordaunt and former minister Jacob Rees-Mogg were other high profile Conservatives who lost their seats.

Plymouth will now by fully represented by Labour MPs, with Luke Pollard retaining his Plymouth Sutton and Devonport seat.

Mr Thomas won 17,665 votes and a 41.2% share of the vote.

Mr Mercer received 12,061 votes and a 28.1% share of the vote, followed by Shaun Hooper from Reform UK - who won 9,670 votes and a 22.6% share of the vote.

Following the declaration, Mr Mercer initially stated he had no comments "at this stage" before congratulating the Labour candidate.

"Congratulations, I hope Fred does very well," he said.

Reacting to his win in Plymouth Moor View, Mr Thomas said it was "the honour of [his] life" to be elected.

He said: "It has been an absolute honour to talk to so many Plymouth residents and to see them go out and vote for change has been really inspiring and I cannot wait to be part of the next Labour government.

"Plymouth has voted for change, hope, and the idea we can have better for our community and our city, and I'm absolutely delighted."

Mr Pollard will continue to represent constituents of Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, a seat he has held since 2017.

Following the declaration he said he was "so grateful" to be re-elected, adding: "Today Plymouth has chosen change.

"Plymouth has voted for Keir's changed Labour Party, for economic stability, for cheaper bills, for safer streets, to get our NHS back on its feet, for secure borders, for stronger defence, and more opportunities for our young people."