ConservativeHome's Seats & Candidates blog

Labour MP in ultra-marginal Dartford to step down

Howard Stoate, MP for Dartford since 1997, has announced today that he will not be seeking re-election at the next general election. Dr Stoate says in his statement that he does not feel post-Expensesgate that he would be able to continue doing some work as a GP whilst remaining an MP and that he therefore has taken the decision not to seek re-election.

This a boost to Conservative candidate Gareth Johnson (pictured), who fought Dartford in 2005, losing then by a mere 706 votes. He now requires a swing of 1% to gain the seat, having been reselected in October 2006. He recently wrote the Diary of a PPC feature for Conservative Home about his campaign to win the seat at his second attempt.

Jonathan Isaby

Diary of a PPC: Gareth Johnson (Dartford)

Each week a different PPC provides us with an insight into life as a candidate and gives us a flavour of their own campaign and interests. If you are a candidate and are keen to be featured, please email Jonathan Isaby.

This week's diary is written by Gareth Johnson, candidate for Dartford in Kent. After fighting Lewisham West in 2001, he first fought Dartford in 2005, losing then to Labour’s Howard Stoate by 706 votes, meaning that he now requires a swing of 1% to gain the seat. Gareth is a local man who went to Dartford Grammar School and lives with his family in the constituency. He is 39 years old and a solicitor.

Monday 13th April

I am woken at 6am by our 4-month-old Golden Retriever puppy licking my face! He somehow managed to get out of his puppy pen and into our bedroom. I decide to concede defeat to him and get up to wash the dog slobber from my face – oh the glamour of being the Parliamentary Candidate for Dartford!

Despite it being Easter Monday, we have arranged a canvassing session as part of our County Council/Euro Election campaign, which is now in full swing, and we are confident of making significant progress in the four County Council Divisions in Dartford that we don’t currently hold. We are campaigning in Greenhithe, an up-and-coming area situated between Bluewater Shopping Centre and the new Ebbsfleet International train station. The canvassing went well. My typical candidate pessimism often prevents me believing the poll leads, but there are plenty of fed up, former Labour Party supporters out there.

Gareth Johnson reselected for Dartford

Gareth stood in this Lab/Con marginal last time around, and in Lewisham West in 2001.

Dr Howard Stoate MP has a majority of 706.

Deputy Editor