South West · England · 68,644Boundary · 2023

New Forest West

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Dispatch
Apr 2026

Represented by Con since 2024. Covers Lymington, Ringwood and New Milton. Population 88,603, notably older (median age 54 vs 41 nationally). Recorded crime is 50% below the national average.

A long-serving Conservative backbencher since 1997, Swayne voted in March 2026 to support Lords amendments strengthening the Victims and Courts Bill -- placing him on the side of the upper chamber against the government's preferred text. He also backed opposition day motions on defence and oil and gas policy, signalling alignment with Conservative pressure on the Labour government over energy and military spending. None of these votes, however, constitute rebellion against his own party; they reflect standard Conservative opposition behaviour.

Swayne's voting participation sits at 76% -- slightly below the Commons average -- and he has voted with Conservative Party majority positions 100% of the time. His stance profile shows consistent opposition to tax increases and progressive taxation (0% aligned with the latter), full alignment with parliamentary scrutiny measures, and strong support for victims' rights. He is notably less supportive of assisted dying access than his party average (13% vs 26%). His 54 parliamentary contributions span economy, defence, cost-of-living, and environment -- a broad range without an obvious specialist focus.

356
Commons votes
This parliament
£28k
Median income
HMRC · 2024
68.6k
Electorate
2024 GE

Con held for 5 consecutive elections.

Current Member of Parliament

Desmond Swayne

Desmond Swayne

Conservative and Unionist Party

The Rt Hon Sir Desmond Swayne is the Conservative MP for New Forest West, and has been an MP continually since 1 May 1997.

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Voting at a Glance

Represented by Con since 2024. Covers Lymington, Ringwood and New Milton. Population 88,603, notably older (median age 54 vs 41 nationally). Recorded crime is 50% below the national average.

2024 General Election

§ 06This week in Westminster.Live · today’s sittingOrder Paper · refreshed daily

Swayne’s scheduled Commons activity this week — whipped divisions, oral questions, debates — drawn from the House of Commons Order Paper.

§ 07The record, at a glance.379 divisions voted

Two readings of the same data. Issue volume shows where Swayne has cast the most ballots — a proxy for engagement, not direction. Notable votes are the moments where the whip was free or where they broke ranks.

Issue volume
Top issues by total divisions voted · cumulative this Parliament
Taxation
83
Economy
71
Employment
44
Crime & Policing
41
Education
33
Constitution and Democracy
24
Notable votes
Free votes and rebellions — moments the MP’s own judgment matters more than the whip

No rebellions or free votes recorded yet.

§ 08The local picture.12 wards

Constituencies are not uniform. Below — the local council make-up, key facts worth knowing, and the neighbouring seats on either side.

WardCouncillorVotesParty
Ashley Bashley FernhillGeoff Blunden981Conserva
Ashley Bashley FernhillJill Cleary972Conserva
BallardNeil Tungate348Conserva
Barton BectonAlan Dennis O'Sullivan1,087Conserva
Barton BectonKeith Edward Craze1,147Conserva
Bransgore Burley Sopley Ringwood EastNeil Millington725Green Pa
Bransgore Burley Sopley Ringwood EastNigel Victor Linford805Independ
Downlands Forest NorthJanet Richards562Green Pa
Fordingbridge Godshill HydeDavid Jonathan Millar1,118Liberal
Fordingbridge Godshill HydePhil Woods1,085Liberal
LymingtonBarry Frank Dunning962Conserva
LymingtonJacqui England880Independ
Population (2021 Census)
88,603
Electorate 68,644 · 2024 register
Median income
£28,200
HMRC SPI 2024
Households renting privately
15.4%
England average 20.0%
Schools
34
24 primary · 4 secondary
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More constituency data is being added, including local issue analysis and historical trends. Learn about our methodology. View data sources & attribution.