Equalities Minister Nicky Morgan wins re-election
Conservative equalities minister Nicky Morgan has been re-elected an MP in Loughborough, despite fears she would lose her seat to Labour.
The Tory MP, who also serves as Secretary of State for Education, was controversially appointed as Minister for Women and Equalities in July last year – despite voting against same-sex marriage.
Ms Morgan has since become a supporter of LGBT rights, telling PinkNews in October that she would now “probably” vote in favour of same-sex marriage if she could do so again.
The minister has also launched a push against homophobic bullying, addressed rights campaigners at the PinkNews Awards last year.
Ms Morgan was one of the most senior Conservative figures thought to be under threat in her own constituency, with a strong student vote making her a key target for Labour.
However, she received 25,762 votes, well ahead of Labour candidate Matthew O’Callaghan on 16,579. In 2010, Ms Morgan unseated Labour’s Andy Reed, with 21,971 (41.6%) compared to his 18,227 (34.%).
She said last month: “I think if we end up in coalition discussion territory, people will have to ask themselves who they are happy to serve with. It is difficult envisaging what might happen but Nigel Farage is not my cup of tea.”
PinkNews election coverage is generously supported by KPMG.
