Even in Surrey, a historic stronghold of UK Conservatives, voters are tempted to give opposition parties a chance at the July 4 general election, saying successive governments have "made a mess of it". Many of the town's 20,000 residents are retirees and from wealthy backgrounds, and have always sent a Conservative MP to the UK parliament at Westminster. Forrester, who now cares for her disabled daughter, is disappointed by the Conservatives' 14 years in power. Most disgruntled voters say they will vote for Liberal Democrat Paul Follows, a local figure unknown at the national level. "What has changed is Jeremy (Hunt) and what has changed is the Conservative party."

Source: The Times June 08, 2024 05:37 UTC