The Labor Party of Britain managed double defeat for the Conservatives in two by-elections held yesterday, Thursday 15/2/2024, one new, hard blow for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the midst of an election year.
The big favorite to become prime minister following this year’s general election, Labor leader Keir Starmer, spoke of an “amazing result”, which “shows that people want change and are ready to show their confidence in Labour”.
“The Tories have failed. Rishi’s recession proves it. That’s why we’ve seen so many former Tory voters change their vote,” Starmer added.
Since the last general election in December 2019 the Conservatives have lost a total of 10 by-elections, the worst result for any British government since the 1960s.
Voters had been called to the polls in two constituencies. In Wellingborough (in central England) MP Peter Bone lost his seat following being kicked out of parliament for bullying and inappropriate behaviour.
In Kingswood (South West) MP Chris Skidmore has resigned to protest the government’s granting of permits to drill for oil and gas in the North Sea.
In the first constituency, Labour’s Jen Kitchen won with 45.8% of the vote, while in the second, Damien Egan won with 44.9%.
Although Mr Sunack has pledged to bring economic growth back to Britain, the country slipped into recession in the second half of last year, with high interest rates and inflation putting pressure on households and companies.
Conservative Party Vice-President James Daly stressed that, despite the “disappointing” result, Starmer is not causing much excitement among Britons, estimating that there is no clear evidence to confirm that Conservative voters are turning to Labour.
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