Triple Blow for Rishi Sunak as Conservatives Brace for By-Election Defeats

The outcome of three crucial by-elections in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Selby and Ainsty, and Somerton and Frome, is eagerly anticipated as polling stations have closed. These constituencies were left vacant by former Conservative MPs Boris Johnson, Nigel Adams, and David Warburton, who has been sitting as an independent since last year. However, the Conservative Party is preparing for defeat in all three seats, according to political editor Beth Rigby.

Facing Challenging Circumstances

A spokesperson from the Conservative headquarters acknowledged the difficulty of these by-elections, particularly considering the circumstances that led to their occurrence. In the previous general election, Boris Johnson secured a 7,210 majority in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, with Labour as the runner-up. Similarly, Nigel Adams won Selby and Ainsty with a majority of over 20,000, once again with Labour in second place. David Warburton’s seat in Somerton and Frome saw him achieve a 19,213 majority, with the Liberal Democrats as his closest competition.

Labour and Liberal Democrats Hopeful for Victory

While the Labour Party expressed uncertainty about the outcome, a spokesperson highlighted the trust voters have placed in Keir Starmer’s leadership and the party’s renewed commitment to serving working people. They eagerly await the results to see if they have emerged victorious. Meanwhile, Christine Jardine, the Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson, sees the by-elections as an opportunity to make a significant impact. Overturning the substantial 19,000 majority in Somerton and Frome, which is traditionally a safe Conservative seat, would be a significant milestone for the Liberal Democrats. Jardine emphasized that voting for the Liberal Democrats remains the most effective way for constituents to remove the Conservative government from power, as demonstrated in various regions across the country, from Somerset to Surrey.