Results from the 2009 (by-election), 2005, 2001 and 1997 elections

2009 by-election results:

Chloe Smith (Con) 13,591; Chris Ostrowski (Lab) 6,243; April Pond (Lib Dems) 4,803; Glenn Tingle (Ind) 4,068; Rupert Read (Greens) 3,350; Craig Murrary (Put an Honest Man into Parliament) 953; Robert West (BNP) 941; Bill Holden (Ind) 166; Alan Hope (Monster Raving Loony) 144; Anne Fryatt (NOTA) 59; Thomas Burridge (Libertarian) 36; Peter Baggs (Ind) 23. Maj 7,348. Turnout 45.76pc.

2005 results:

Ian Gibson (Lab) 21,097; James Tumbridge (Con) 15,638; Robin Whitmore (Lib Dems) 7,616; Adrian Holmes (Greens) 1,252; John Youles (UK Ind) 1,122; Bill Holden (Ind) 308. Maj 5,459. Turnout 61.1pc.

2001 results:

Ian Gibson (Lab) 21,624; Kay Mason (Con) 15,761; Moira Toye (Lib Dems) 6,750; Rob Tinch (Greens) 797; Guy Cheyney (UK Ind) 471; Michael Betts (Ind) 211. Maj 5,863. Turnout 60.0pc.