Britain’s governing Conservative Party managed to avoid a significant defeat in a series of special elections, holding onto former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s seat in suburban London. In a blow to the Conservatives, the main opposition Labour Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats were able to overturn massive Conservative majorities and secure one seat each. However, the Conservatives did find some solace in their narrow success in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in west London.
The Labour Party won the seat of Selby and Ainsty in northern England, while the Liberal Democrats triumphed in Somerton and Frome in southwest England. Tactical voting played a significant role, with voters from both parties backing the party most likely to defeat the Conservative candidate. These defeats will undoubtedly unsettle Conservative lawmakers, particularly with a possible national vote scheduled for next year.
It’s important to note that these election results do not lead to a change of government as the Conservatives still hold a significant majority in the House of Commons. However, opinion polls consistently show Labour with a double-digit lead over the Conservatives nationwide. If these results were replicated in a general election, Labour could emerge as the largest party with a considerable overall majority.
The outcome of these special elections reflects the Conservative Party’s declining support among various voter groups, especially amid a cost-of-living crisis and public discontent over the government’s handling of lockdown breaches. Speculation is rife that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may reshuffle his Cabinet as early as Friday.
