“Examining the Tories’ Major Setbacks and the Uxbridge Election Retention”

Big defeats for Tories but party holds on to Uxbridge

By Becky Morton, Political reporter

The Conservative Party faced significant defeats in two by-elections but managed to narrowly hold on to the Uxbridge seat, previously held by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The by-election results were dramatic, with the Liberal Democrats winning in Somerton and Frome and Labour taking the seat of Selby and Ainsty in North Yorkshire.

Lib Dems overturn a huge majority

The Liberal Democrats achieved a 29% swing and overturned a majority of over 19,000 in Somerton and Frome. Labour also made history by overturning a majority of 20,137 to take the seat of Selby and Ainsty. However, despite a 6.7% swing towards Labour, the Tories managed to win in Uxbridge and South Ruislip by capitalizing on local anger over the planned expansion of the Ulez Ultra Low Emissions Zone in outer London under Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan. The Tories won by a margin of just 495 votes.

A disappointing night for the Tories

The results of the by-elections, coupled with the Tories trailing behind Labour in national polls, indicate a challenging situation for the Conservative Party ahead of an expected general election next year. The party avoided the prospect of losing three by-elections in one night, which would have been unprecedented in 55 years.

Labour celebrates historic victory

The Labour Party achieved a remarkable 23.7% swing in Selby and Ainsty, breaking the record for the largest Conservative majority overturned at a by-election since 1945. Keir Mather, 25, will become the youngest Member of Parliament in the House of Commons after securing 16,456 votes. He emphasized the cost-of-living crisis as the top issue in the region and highlighted voters’ frustration with the previous Tory MP’s resignation.

The message from Labour

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hailed the result as a historic achievement and a testament to the party’s focus on the priorities of working people. He highlighted Labour’s ambitious and practical plan to address the concerns of voters. This victory marks a significant change for Labour and demonstrates their ability to win previously Conservative-held seats.

A stunning victory for the Liberal Democrats

In Somerton and Frome, the Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Dyke secured a dramatic victory, winning 21,187 votes and overturning a majority of over 24,000. Dyke thanked “lifelong Conservative voters” who voted for the Liberal Democrats for the first time, as well as Labour and Green supporters who “lent” their votes. The victory is a significant boost for the Liberal Democrats, and party leader Sir Ed Davey highlighted their growing presence in the West Country.

Lib Dems eye more targets

Deputy leader Daisy Cooper stated that the Liberal Democrats would be targeting around 15 seats in the West Country with smaller majorities than Somerton and Frome in the next general election. She believes that the party can persuade Labour supporters to lend their votes as they have done in the past.

The Tories narrowly hold on to Uxbridge

Labour had hoped to secure victory in the west London seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, but Conservative Steve Tuckwell emerged as the winner in a closely fought contest. Tuckwell focused his campaign on opposition to the Ulez expansion and linked Labour’s stance on the issue to their loss. The expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone was a policy of Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan. The results in Uxbridge have raised questions about the Tories‘ ability to listen to voters and win elections.

Concerns over Ulez expansion

The Ulez expansion policy sparked concern among voters, particularly relating to the cost of replacing polluting vehicles. Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner acknowledged the need for clean air in cities but stressed the importance of providing proper compensation and support to those affected. She stated that the party would continue to work with Mayor Sadiq Khan to ensure a decent scrappage scheme is implemented.

Conclusion

The by-election results indicate a challenging political landscape for the Conservative Party, which is facing significant defeats and trailing behind Labour in national polls. The victories for the Liberal Democrats and Labour highlight the changing dynamics of British politics and the public’s dissatisfaction with the ruling party. The Uxbridge result, in particular, raises questions about the Tories‘ ability to effectively engage with voters and address their concerns. As the country looks ahead to an expected general election, these by-election results serve as a reminder to all parties that they must focus on the priorities of the people and present ambitious and practical plans to address the pressing issues facing the nation.