Sir Christopher Chope · Conservative and Unionist Party
South West, England
: 71,060
Con held for 5 consecutive elections.
Christopher Chope
Conservative and Unionist PartySir Christopher Chope is the Conservative MP for Christchurch, and has been an MP continually since 1 May 1997.
Vote on whether to approve new rules implementing the Windsor Framework's Northern Ireland pet travel scheme, which requires pet owners travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to use pet passports instead of the informal grace period arrangements currently in place. Opponents, including the TUV's Jim Allister, argued this imposes new bureaucratic requirements on travel within the UK that did not previously exist.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Christchurch has been mixed for Christopher across 40 recent articles.
Represented by Con since 2024. Covers Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), Ferndown and West Moors. Population 89,373, notably older (median age 54 vs 41 nationally). Recorded crime is 60% below the national average.
Murder accused appears in court as trial set following death in Bournemouth
Daily Echo Sport · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£27,100
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£36,200
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
3,960
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
31
17 primary, 6 secondary, 8 other
Total Income Tax▼
£279m
from 50,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,590
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£5,570
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
47.9
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
74.3%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 large town, 3 towns, 3 villages, rural areas — 87,735 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
19 councillors across 10 wards · Last elections: May 2024
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burton Grange | Christchurch Independents | David Anthony Flagg | May 2023 |
| Christchurch Independents | Simon McCormack | May 2023 | |
| Christchurch Town | Liberal Democrats | Michael John Tarling | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Mike Cox | May 2023 | |
| Commons | Christchurch Independents | Margaret Phipps | May 2023 |
| Christchurch Independents | Vanessa Ricketts | May 2023 | |
| Ferndown North | Conservative and Unionist Party | Cathy Lugg | May 2024 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Mike Parkes | May 2024 | |
| Ferndown South | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Hannah Hobbs-Chell | May 2024 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Julie Lorraine Robinson | May 2024 | |
| Highcliffe Walkford | Christchurch Independents | Andy Martin | May 2023 |
| Christchurch Independents | David Francis Martin | May 2023 | |
| Mudeford Stanpit West Highcliffe | Christchurch Independents | Lesley Margaret Dedman | May 2023 |
| Christchurch Independents | Paul Alan Hilliard | May 2023 | |
| St Leonards St Ives | Conservative and Unionist Party | Barry Peter Goringe | May 2024 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Ray Bryan | May 2024 | |
| West Moors Three Legged Cross | Conservative and Unionist Party | Andy Skeats | May 2024 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | David Shortell | May 2024 | |
| West Parley | Conservative and Unionist Party | Andrew Charles Parry | May 2024 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 16,941 | 35.8% |
| LD | 9,486 | 20.0% | |
| Ref | 8,961 | 18.9% | |
| Lab | 7,762 | 16.4% | |
| Green | 1,900 | 4.0% | |
| Ind | 1,728 | 3.6% | |
| Ind | 335 | 0.7% | |
| Ind | 163 | 0.3% | |
| Ind | 59 | 0.1% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 33,894 | 65.2% |
| LD | 9,277 | 17.9% | |
| Lab | 6,568 | 12.6% | |
| Green | 2,212 | 4.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 35,230 | 69.6% |
| Lab | 10,059 | 19.9% | |
| LD | 4,020 | 7.9% | |
| Green | 1,325 | 2.6% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 28,887 | 58.1% |
| Ind | 10,663 | 21.4% | |
| Lab | 4,745 | 9.6% | |
| LD | 3,263 | 6.6% | |
| Green | 2,149 | 4.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 27,888 | 56.4% |
| LD | 12,478 | 25.3% | |
| Lab | 4,849 | 9.8% | |
| Ind | 4,201 | 8.5% |
Christopher Chope has not appeared in national political news coverage tracked by our system. This is common for backbench MPs who focus on constituency-level work rather than national policy debates.
11 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
A 35-year-old man from Bournemouth has appeared in court charged with the murder of James Blanch, 41, from Christchurch, following an alleged assault outside a bar in Charminster in April. The trial is scheduled for October 5, with the victim's family describing him as a loving father and husband.
A car-bicycle collision on Upton Cemetery Road in the Christchurch area caused temporary traffic disruption on April 9th. Emergency services attended and no serious injuries were reported.
Two people sustained serious injuries in a motorbike and car collision on the A35 Lyndhurst Road in Christchurch on Wednesday evening. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to help investigate the incident.
Arts charity Hurn Court Opera is partnering with Arts University Bournemouth students to create costumes for a production of Verdi's La Traviata, which will be performed at The Regent in Christchurch on April 16. The collaboration provides real-world professional experience for costume design students while supporting emerging opera talent.
A lottery-funded project supporting ethnically diverse charities and community groups across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has reached a new phase after distributing nearly £90,000 in grants to 32 groups over its first year. The project, led by Community Action Network in partnership with local bodies, has helped groups establish governance structures, bank accounts, and build organisational capacity, with plans to seek further funding for phase two.
A record 1,141 ambulances were delivered to NHS trusts across England between April 2025 and March 2026, with 145 going to the South Western Ambulance Service which covers the Christchurch area. The new vehicles aim to improve reliability, reduce repair downtime, and help cut emergency response waiting times.
The Caravan Club Limited has applied for a premises licence to sell alcohol at the New Forest Centenary Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Bransgore, Christchurch. The application seeks permission to sell alcohol from 8am to midnight daily, plus regulated entertainment and late-night refreshments, with a public consultation deadline of April 22.
The Walkford pub in Christchurch has closed for a major six-figure refurbishment by Greene King, including kitchen upgrades, new furniture, décor, and an enclosed pergola. The investment aims to modernize the establishment while maintaining its traditional pub atmosphere.
Holidaze travel agency at Bournemouth Airport has been acquired by Fred Olsen Travel after 20 years in business. A staff member from Holidaze will be transferred to Fred Olsen Travel's branch in Christchurch.
Care home residents across Dorset and Hampshire, including Avon Reach in Mudeford, celebrated Easter by donating food and Easter eggs to local food banks and communities. Residents at Avon Reach donated 40 packed lunches to Christchurch Food Bank, demonstrating community spirit and intergenerational engagement.
Dorset-based artist Tom Winter, a Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year finalist, has opened a new solo exhibition of his Lightscapes collection at Coda Music and Arts Trust in Christchurch. The exhibition runs until April 18 and features paintings exploring the transformative qualities of light, with the artist available for workshops and gallery discussions.
A woman arrested following the death of an infant in Christchurch (Somerford area) in November has been released under investigation. Dorset Police continues to investigate the unexplained death, with the woman having been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.
Airlines globally are cutting flights and raising fares due to surging jet fuel prices caused by Middle Eastern conflict disruptions. Air New Zealand specifically will cancel flights from Christchurch airport, affecting local travellers and connectivity.
Waitrose at Bargates in Christchurch has applied to BCP Council for permission to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for off-premises consumption, primarily to support online orders. The application is open for public representations until 17 April 2026.
A three-floor timber beach hut on Mudeford Spit in Christchurch, Dorset is being sold for £325,000. The article highlights the exclusive nature of these huts and discusses recent controversy over council tax rises imposed by BCP Council, which reclassified the huts as second homes and increased annual charges significantly.
The Christchurch Central Women's Institute held its annual meeting and Easter celebration, welcoming a new member and awarding two members 2026 bursaries for a Glass Fusion course. The group voted Somerford Youth and Community Centre as Charity of the Year and plans upcoming visits and charitable activities.
A licensing hearing was held for Bournemouth Food Market Ltd's application to serve alcohol at a food market on Old Christchurch Road in Christchurch. The proposal involves five independent businesses including a bar, with objections raised about potential nuisance and disorder, though conditions were agreed with police and trading standards.
Steele Raymond has acquired Williams Thompson, a long-established Christchurch-based law firm specialising in family, property, and private client work. The acquisition is intended to strengthen legal services and specialist support available to clients in Christchurch and the surrounding area while maintaining local office presence.
Steele Raymond law firm has acquired Williams Thompson, a long-established Christchurch-based legal practice, as part of its expansion strategy across the South Coast. The acquisition maintains Williams Thompson's local Christchurch offices and integrates its family law and property expertise into Steele Raymond's broader service offering.
The Range has completed a major upgrade to its Christchurch superstore, one year after reopening, featuring expanded departments, new products across homewares, furniture, arts and crafts, and a dedicated garden centre. The investment reflects the retailer's commitment to the local area and promises improved shopping experience with better navigation and product selection.
Free dementia advice clinics run by Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses are returning to Christchurch this month, with appointments available at the Nationwide branch on High Street on April 14-16. The clinics provide tailored support and advice for anyone affected by dementia in a private setting.
A shopworker in Boscombe was assaulted after confronting a suspected shoplifter on Christchurch Road in early February. Police are appealing for information to identify the woman involved in the incident.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has stated it is not currently impacted by rising fuel prices caused by the US-Israel-Iran conflict, though it is monitoring the situation. UK petrol and diesel prices have risen significantly since late February due to Middle East tensions affecting global energy production.
Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha has been unveiled as the final major anchor project of the city's post-2011 earthquake rebuild. The 37,000-capacity stadium replaces the earthquake-damaged Lancaster Park Stadium and features innovative design including a fixed ETFE roof and Māori cultural elements, symbolising the community's resilience and renewal.
Christchurch Baptist Church opened its new £2.5m building on Sunday, March 29, with hundreds attending the inaugural services. The facility increases seating capacity by 60% and will serve as a community hub hosting youth programmes, support networks, and local events beyond regular worship.
A couple from Christchurch, John and Betty Clayton, are celebrating 70 years of marriage in April 2026, having married at Christchurch Priory in 1956. The article highlights their long partnership, shared values, and life together in the local area.
Young swimmers from Seagulls Swimming Club in Christchurch participated in a swimathon, collectively covering 44,000 metres and raising £1,632 for charity. The initiative showcased community spirit and youth engagement in fundraising activities.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has approved a £1.8million expansion of Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, the only BCP leisure facility in Christchurch, to add a dedicated studio for exercise classes. The investment passed a full council vote despite concerns about the centre's financial performance, with councillors emphasizing health and wellbeing benefits to residents over commercial returns.
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