ConservativeHome extends its warm congratulations to Damian Hinds who has been adopted as the Conservative candidate for Hampshire East to replace the retiring Michael Mates. Damian Hinds beat Pam Chesters, Antonia Cox and Sam Gyimah (second-placed and just five votes behind) for the seat and its projected majority of 7,195.
3.30pm update on 19/2: Petersfield Post report on Damian's selection.
