However , Sanders retained the seat with 40.8 % of the votes ( 19,317 , down from 23,012 in 2001 ) .
During the 2005 general election , Conservative leader Michael Howard visited the town .
Sanders retained the seat with 40.8 % of the votes ( 19,317 , down from 23,012 in 2001 ) .
During the 2005 general election , Conservative leader Michael Howard visited the town .