Lewes MP Maria Caulfield predicted to lose seat in poll

YouGov asked more than 13,000 people in Conservative/Liberal Democrat “battleground seats” –  those which have been closely contested between the two parties.

Sussex includes six of these seats: Chichester, Arundel and South Downs, Horsham, Mid Sussex, Lewes and Eastbourne, currently all Tory held.

The poll predicts the Lib Dems will secure 51 per cent of the vote in Ms Caulfield's Lewes seat, while the Tories are set to get 36 per cent, down from the 47.9 per cent it achieved in the 2019 general election.

The Lib Dems secured 43.4 per cent in that election.

Maria Caulfield in Newhaven

The poll previously correctly predicted the 2017 UK general election result where the Conservative Party lost its small overall majority.

James MacCleary, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for the Lewes constituency, said people are “exhausted by the endless scandals” that have happened in recent months.

He said: “Maria Caulfield and this Conservative Government have taken our area for granted. Residents tell me that they want someone who will speak up for our towns and villages, not a government mouthpiece.

James MacCleary at Barcombe Mills

“As a health minister she has simply trotted out government spin while local people have to wait months just to see a GP or NHS dentist.

“Residents are sick to their back teeth of the raw deal they’re getting from Boris Johnson’s Conservatives. They are exhausted by the endless scandals that have shown this government to lack any sense of integrity or decency.

“The Conservatives have failed our local health service, hiked our taxes, and pumped sewage into our rivers for too long. It's time for a change."

Ms Caulfield, a nurse, worked on the frontline of the NHS during the pandemic and previously said she was “very angry” at lockdown parties in Downing Street.

Maria Caulfield helped as a nurse during the pandemic

But she did not call for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign.

Ms Caulfield has previously called for GP practices to “return to pre-pandemic” levels and offered her help when there are problems.

She also noted that water companies will be held to account for sewage discharges based off legislation she voted for. Southern Water was fined £90 million after pleading guilty to thousands of illegal discharges last July.

The Lib Dems are also set to secure the Eastbourne seat from Conservative MP Caroline Ansell. Josh Babarinde is the parliamentary candidate for the Lib Dems. He was appointed last November to replace Stephen Lloyd.

Maria Caulfield was approached for comment but did not respond.