CONSERVATIVE candidate Sir Christopher Chope said he believes the split vote from non-tory parties will help him retain his seat.

The Christchurch candidate said he has had 'lots of enjoyable conversations' with people during his campaigning process.

Sir Christopher said: “I think people appreciate that I am independently minded.

“I’m not saying everybody likes the things I do, but I think they tend to respect the fact that I’m not just towing the party line.

“Which of course makes it easier if your party is very unpopular. I have been very critical of a lot of the issues which actually resulted in the problems the Conservatives have at the moment.”

Sir Christopher believes the UK should leave the European Court of Human Rights, saying being a part of it means 'we can’t deliver on the issues around migration.’

“In politics, you’ve got to come forward with a solution. And so, my solution for that is take back control of our own laws and the courts, which are interpreting our laws.”

Speaking on votes for Reform, Sir Christopher said: “This is the recipient of a lot of dissatisfied votes.

“They have got a leader with personality and, dare one say, charisma.

“If we start adding the Conservative votes to the Reform votes you will then be able to see what a disaster it is having two separate parties on the centre right.”