Rishi Sunak faced a significant setback today as Labour achieved historic swings to win the by-elections in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire.
Labour's triumph signals a desire for change
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, hailed the results as a clear indication that "people overwhelmingly want change" and are "ready to put faith in our changed Labour to deliver it". The victories were celebrated by emotional Labour supporters, with Sir Keir's partner Megan Corton-Scott among them.
Tamworth sees a surprising shift
Sarah Edwards emerged as the new MP for Tamworth, defeating Conservative candidate Andrew Cooper by 1,316 votes. This victory overturned a massive 19,600 majority previously held by the Tories. Notably, Mr. Cooper was absent from the stage as the results were announced.
Mid-Bedfordshire witnesses a political earthquake
In Mid-Beds, Labour's Alistair Strathern secured a win over Local Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye, overturning former minister Nadine Dorries' 24,000 majority. This marked the largest numerical Tory majority to be overturned at a by-election since 1945.
Labour's triumphant message
Sir Keir expressed his elation, stating, "Winning in these Tory strongholds shows that people overwhelmingly want change and they’re ready to put their faith in our changed Labour Party to deliver it. Labour will give Britain its future back."
A political earthquake with a clear message
Shadow Minister Peter Kyle, who led Labour's campaign in Mid-Beds, described the by-election results as a "political earthquake". He emphasized that the message was unignorable, demanding better for the country.
Warning signs for the Tories
Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice warned that these results were "extremely bad news" for the Conservatives. He stated that Rishi Sunak is on track for defeat in the next General Election unless significant changes are made. Sir John also cautioned that the Tories risk losing voters to both Labour on the left and Reform UK on the right.
Tories' by-election losses continue to mount
With today's defeats, the Tories have now lost a total of eight by-elections since the 2019 General Election. They have managed to hold on to three seats and gain one in Hartlepool.
