Service records and Sunak's big-day mistake - but Johnny Mercer continues to fight for one last campaign

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"On the doorstep, I noticed a real change," Johnny Mercer tells his troops gathered on the grass of a social housing estate after- war, on the northwest outskirts of Plymouth. .

Looking at a road map, the 42-year-old former Commando, dressed in a polo shirt, combat pants and off-road shoes, says people don't like Sir Keir Starmer, but many love him. "I'm pissed" and I don't want to vote.

"I understand," he said, before conveying the message to the small group that a local vote for Reform UK means Labor dominance in across the country. city, with a second district probably already in their hands and a city council run by the party.

“We can do it. Don't be discouraged, it's been difficult here," he concludes before thanking the mostly volunteer "heroes" for their support.

It's more Duke of Edinburgh than a tour in Afghanistan, but for Mr Mercer it is a difficult electoral mission.

Mr Mercer told The Independent he would only serve one term. moreover if he were re-elected because of the extent of the abuse to which he and his fellow citizens were victims.

Yet the campaign is one that he seems to enjoy, walking in the. street with his wife and “greatest asset,” Felicity Cornelius-Mercer, to knock on doors while passing motorists wave and honk their horns.

The day begins with Mr Mercer leading his team on door-to-door tasks (The Independent)

“People will think I fought,” he laughs, while highlighting the impact of hay fever around his eyes before his first knock on the door.

Five years ago, Mr Mercer rode a wave of support as he successfully campaigned for a third term. Boris Johnson was committed to delivering Brexit, which appealed to the constituency where 69% voted in favor of Brexit.

Mr. Johnson visited to rally support for Mr Mercer, who was taking on a Labor party led by Jeremy Corbyn. in a town populated by naval veterans.

Further help came when the Brexit party opted not to field a candidate.

Once voting was over , Mr. Mercer won easily, taking 61% of the vote. vote and winning with a majority of almost 13,000 votes against her closest rival, Labour's Charlotte Holloway.

But 2024 is a different picture for the Conservative candidates, with some polls suggesting a wipeout in which Mr. Mercer lost his seat.

This time, the Minister for Veterans Affairs faces another former Labor soldier, Fred Thomas, a former...