In a major setback for the Conservative Party, Labour has emerged victorious in two crucial by-elections, turning seats previously held by the Tories into Labour strongholds. The results of the Kingswood and Wellingborough by-elections mark the most significant by-election losses for a Conservative government since the Second World War, dealing a blow to Rishi Sunak and his administration. The timing of these defeats is particularly precarious, as Downing Street gears up for the looming general election scheduled for later this year.
The victories in Kingswood and Wellingborough provide some much-needed relief for Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, who has faced a challenging week due to controversies around his party’s green investment plan and allegations of antisemitism. The wins signify a shift in public sentiment and a renewed faith in Labour’s ability to bring about meaningful change. Sir Keir Starmer expressed his delight at the results, stating, “These are fantastic outcomes that demonstrate people’s desire for change and their willingness to entrust a transformed Labour Party to deliver it. Winning in these traditionally strong Tory constituencies reaffirms that Labour is dedicated to serving the working people and will tirelessly work towards their betterment.”
The by-elections in Wellingborough and Kingswood mark the ninth and tenth such losses for the government since the 2019 general election. When accounting for the Conservative Party’s victory in the Hartlepool by-election earlier this year, the administration has experienced a net loss of nine seats, surpassing the previous record held by Sir John Major’s government between 1992 and 1997. However, it is worth noting that the Labour administration of 1966 to 1970 faced an even more substantial decline, losing a staggering 15 seats in just four years.
The by-election in Wellingborough was triggered by the recall of Conservative MP Peter Bone following allegations of bullying and sexually inappropriate behavior, which he strongly denies. Labour’s Gen Kitchen seized the opportunity and managed to overturn a majority of over 18,000, an impressive feat that attests to the increasing dissatisfaction amongst constituents. With a swing of 28.5%, this win achieved the second-highest swing of all time, securing the seat for Labour and signaling a severe blow to Rishi Sunak’s government.
The Kingswood by-election, held after Chris Skidmore resigned as an MP in protest against Rishi Sunak’s environmental policies, further compounded the Conservative Party’s woes. Labour’s Damien Egan successfully overturned a majority of over 11,000, establishing a strong foothold in what was once considered a staunch Tory constituency. This defeat serves as a reminder of the growing discontentment towards the government’s policies and will undoubtedly impact its preparations for the upcoming general election.
Richard Holden, the chairman of the Conservative Party, expressed his disappointment with the by-election results and acknowledged that there was no need to shy away from the outcome. He emphasized that the low turnout among Tory voters and the less-than-ideal circumstances surrounding the by-elections played a role in the losses. However, he also sought to downplay the significance of Reform UK’s performance, asserting that the threat posed by the party was not as substantial as that posed by UKIP in 2010. Professor Michael Thrasher, a Sky political analyst, highlighted the difficulty in determining voter behavior due to the secrecy of the ballots used in the UK electoral system.
One unexpected outcome of the by-elections was the remarkable performance of Reform UK, the successor to the Brexit Party. Reform UK secured over 10% of the votes in both seats, surpassing its previous by-election record. This achievement positions Reform UK as a potential contender in future elections and serves as a warning signal to the Conservative Party, given their stated aim to contest every seat in Britain.
The next challenge for the political parties is the Rochdale by-election in two weeks. However, Labour has already faced setbacks in this contest, with the party abandoning its initial candidate amidst allegations of antisemitism. As the general election approaches, both parties must reassess their strategies and address the concerns that have led to these recent by-election defeats. Labour will seek to build upon its recent success and prove that it is a credible alternative to the Conservative government, while the Tories will strive to regain lost ground and restore voter confidence. The outcome of the upcoming general election hangs in the balance, with both parties aware of the necessity to win over the electorate.