Liberal Democrats overthrow Tories in Eastbourne

Savannah Nicholson

4 July 2024 at 10:54 pm·1-min read

Josh Babarinde with Lib Dem lead Ed Davey enjoying an ice cream in Eastbourne <i>(Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)</i> — Josh Babarinde with Lib Dem lead Ed Davey enjoying an ice cream in Eastbourne *(Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)*

The Liberal Democrats have overthrown the Conservatives in Eastbourne.

In the first Sussex result to be called, Josh Babarinde defeated former MP Caroline Ansell with 23,742 votes.

Caroline Ansell received 11,538 votes.

Eastbourne was another blue wall target seat for the Lib Dems.

Sir Ed Davey visited the town shortly after the election was called to support Mr Babarinde.

The pair also went bungee jumping together at Eastbourne Borough Football Club on Monday.

Before becoming a parliamentary candidate, Mr Babarinde was a councillor in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, and ran a social enterprise named Cracked It which employed ex-offenders and at-risk youths to repair smartphones.

The seat has been won by both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats since its creation in 1885.

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