As you say, a surprise winner. Rumour has it that the incumbent, Ivor Caplan, did not stand again as he expected the seat to go Tory.
I live next to Hove, and from what I gather from people around there I think you're right.
Caplin (the "War minister") had become pretty unpopular and only a different candidate would have won.. From personal experience I found him to be quite arrogant and rude..
Barlow (who said she opposed the war) was a less controversial candidate and a lot of people stuck with Labour, realizing how close the Tories were to taking the seat. She seems like a nice person but bound to be something of a non-entity as an MP..
