Two former Brighton MPs shared a few farewell lines as the identity of their replacements was awaited.
The former Green MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas said that she was “very excited” to see the results for the constituency as she arrived at the count at Portslade Sports Centre.
She said: “I’m just so excited about the new generation of Green MPs that we hope to see – and just seeing the way in which Siân Berry in particular has just grown into that role of the candidate in Brighton Pavilion … I’m going to be very, very excited to see the result tonight.”
Asked how confident she was that the Green Party would retain their only Westminster seat so far, she said: “Confident is a very strong word to use in this context. I’m not going to say I’m confident but I’m very hopeful.”
On her next steps after her parliamentary career, she said that she would be “lying down in a dark room for a few weeks”.
She added: “I want to find a way of continuing to work on climate and nature which are the passions that really drive me.”
Earlier, on Facebook, the former Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown, Lloyd Russell-Moyle, posted thanks and a call to vote.
Mr Russell-Moyle, who was suspended by his party shortly before nominations closed, said: “Two hours remain to vote. If you have not, I urge you to do.
“In marginal seats make sure you vote to get the Tories and right wing parties out. In almost all seats that’s the Labour candidate. In Northern Ireland it will be the SDLP.
“As many of you know a malicious and vexatious complaint was lodged against me the day after the election was called.
“It is an old complaint from 2016-17 that was already investigated and dismissed from someone who at the time I thought was a friend but we personally and politically fell out and this is his revenge.
“The new rules allow you to resubmit historical complaints.
“I was therefore removed as a candidate and couldn’t stand in the place I live and was born.
“Lots of people asked me to stand as an independent as they were angry at the process – so was I. The process is not fair or just. I, however, want a Labour government and a Labour Party that puts forward socialist values.
“I want to say thank you to all constituents. It was an honour to serve you for seven years. While the seat has been robbed from me. I was always only your servant.
“An MP’s job is first and foremost to serve the area and be their voice – before legislating or governing. It’s you residents of Kemptown and Peacehaven that was always my first thought and improving the lot of constituents always will be.
“I believe change comes from inside Parliament and outside. Things will get better tomorrow with a Labour goverment but it will not be utopia and change won’t come immediately.
“Raymond Williams in 1974 believing both that the Tories must be defeated and that Labour’s socialist credentials were hopelessly compromised said: ‘Elect them on Thursday. Fight them on Friday.’
“There will be plenty of fights, internal and external, to be had. I hope to be there with you on some of those barricades.”
What did he do to get suspended then why has it come up again 7 years later ?
As many of you know a malicious and vexatious complaint was lodged against me the day after the election was called.”
“It is an old complaint from 2016-17 that was already investigated and dismissed from someone who at the time I thought was a friend but we personally and politically fell out and this is his revenge.”
“The new rules allow you to resubmit historical complaints.”
We don’t know the specifics.
Goodbye Caroline. You have been a breath of fresh air for the constituency and Parliament as a whole. Many people will not know of the great work you have done over your time as MP. The sheer volume of charitable work, advice and actions for the people will only be appreciated once you have gone. You certainly deserve a rest.
LRM has also been underappreciated and I salute his composure and behaviour in light of the shenanigans afoot. I did not vote for Labour as a consequence of this witch-hunt. I am glad that the Tories got their biggest-ever bashing though. Disreputable liars, thieves and vagabonds. What’s the betting that Calamity Cameron is back off to Switzerland and Terrible Truss to America with their tails between their legs and their pockets bulging with their gilt-edged pensions?
But what a JOY that Nigel is in Parliament! Oh, I can’t wait to see him tear them all apart, politics finally has got interesting.
Unfortunately he has to be have and not lie as an MP otherwise he wont last long
Absolute GOOD RIDDANCE to both of these two. Smug, ivory-tower, talk but don’t walk the talk Lucas and tantrum throwing, egotist Russell-Moyle.
Totally agree.. good riddance to both of them
A career politician Lucas and hypocrite who regularly flies to the USA to see her gormless son and was only voted in by students.
LRM a disgrace – his hissy-fitting acceptance speech at the last election defines ‘him’
Tku Lloyd. But your loyalty to starmer is excessive. Did he parachute one of his acolytes in to replace you after using the system to force you out?
Remember when Lucas claimed that she would make Brighton ‘The UK’s premier centre for UFO research’ (Google it).
Lucas denied saying this but people at her election speech heard her say this true and strong