New Tory MP Chloe Smith on Norwich North victory
- 00:02:23
- ITN
New Tory MP Chloe Smith on Norwich North victory
Labour has suffered a humiliating blow after the Tories overturned its 5,000-plus majority to snatch Norwich North. Conservative Chloe Smith, who at 27 becomes the youngest MP in the Commons, won by 7,348 votes in the first such test of public opinion since the Westminster expenses scandal. The by-election was forced by the resignation of Labour MP Ian Gibson, who claimed almost £80,000 in second home expenses on a London flat before selling it at a knock-down price to his daughter. He quit last month after Labour's expenses "star chamber" barred him from standing for the party, sparking fury among colleagues and activists who said he was harshly treated by the "kangaroo court". The 45 per cent turnout, while well down on the last general election, is about par for a by-election of this kind.
ITN | July 24, 2009
