those withdrawn by party leader Nigel Farage before nominations closed, when Farage decided not to field candidates in Conservative-held seats. This was done to avoid the potential for pro-Remain parties winning seats and holding a People's Vote on Brexit. The seat, long considered safe for the Conservatives, was heavily targeted by the Liberal Democrats, particularly because the incumbent Conservative, Dominic Raab, had campaigned for a Leave vote in the EU referendum. The constituency itself voted in favour of remaining in the EU and is socially similar to the two Greater London seats it borders, namely Twickenham and Kingston & Surbiton, which are both strongholds for the Lib Dems. This resulted in a large swing to the Liberal Democrats of 18.5%, reducing the seat's majority to make it a marginal for the first time since its creation. Elections Elections in the 2010s In 2019, Esher and Walton was one of five English seats (the others being Cheltenham, East Devon, Westmorland and Lonsdale, and Winchester) where the Labour candidate failed to get over 5% votes cast so lost the deposit. Elections in the 2000s Elections in the 1990s See also List of parliamentary constituencies in Surrey Notes References Sources Election result, 2015 (BBC) Election result, 2010 (BBC) Election result, 2005 (BBC) Election results, 1997–2001 (BBC) Election results, 1997–2001 (Election Demon) Borough of Elmbridge Parliamentary constituencies in South East England Politics of Surrey Constituencies of the Parliament of the United Kingdom established in 1997