In a closely contested battle, the Conservative Party emerged victorious over Labour in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency, securing the seat by a mere 495 votes.
The election result sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with some members attributing the defeat to controversial plans proposed by Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan to expand London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Mayor Khan’s intention to expand the size of the clean-air zone from 29 August aimed to bolster London’s air quality. However, the move faced significant opposition in outer London boroughs, including Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Labour’s candidate in the area, Danny Beales, had voiced concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and advocated for halting the expansion.
In his triumphant victory speech, newly elected Conservative MP Steve Tuckwell wasted no time in addressing the contentious Ulez policy. He squarely blamed Mayor Khan for Labour’s defeat in the constituency, accusing the expansion of burdening residents with additional financial strain.
“It was his damaging and costly Ulez policy that lost them this election,” Mr. Tuckwell asserted, urging Labour’s leader Keir Starmer and Mayor Khan to heed the concerns of Uxbridge and South Ruislip residents.
Mr. Tuckwell extended his gratitude to the people of Uxbridge and South Ruislip for the honor bestowed upon him by electing him as their Member of Parliament. He also expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of his dedicated campaign team.
He tweeted: “Thank you to the people of Uxbridge and South Ruislip for giving me the greatest honour of my life by electing me as your MP.
“Thank you to my amazing team for their support. @SadiqKhan must now listen, my constituents have sent him a message, loud and clear.”
As the dust settles, all eyes are on Mayor Khan and the Labour leadership to address the concerns raised by the constituents in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
