'Political earthquake': Labour overturn two huge majorities in historic night of by-elections

Professor Sir John Curtice has said ‘the Conservatives are in deep electoral trouble’ in the wake of the by-election results

Sir Keir Starmer has hailed a “phenomenal” night for Labour, claiming his party had “made history” after dealing a double by-election blow to Rishi Sunak by overturning huge Tory majorities in two English by-elections.

Sarah Edwards is now the new MP for Tamworth and Alistair Strathern is the MP for Mid Bedfordshire after historically high swings from the Conservatives to Labour.

In Tamworth, Ms Edwards defeated Tory Andrew Cooper by a majority of 1,316. The Conservatives were defending a 19,634 majority, but a 23.9 percentage point swing to Labour saw that eradicated.

Sarah Edwards after winning the Tamworth by-election for Labour. Image: Jacob King/Press Association.

It was the second-highest ever by-election swing to Labour, and prompted Sir Keir to declare his party would “give Britain its future back”.

Mid Bedfordshire saw the largest majority overturned by Labour at a by-election since 1945. The Tories had held Mid Bedfordshire since 1931, with a 24,664 Conservative majority in 2019, but Mr Strathern took the seat with a majority of 1,192.

Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice said the results represented “one of the worst by-election nights that any government has had to endure”.

He told the BBC: “There are disturbing echoes for the Conservatives in the results of by-elections in the parliament of 1993 to 1997, at the end of which the party crashed to defeat.

Labour supporters celebrate at the Mid Bedfordshire election count. Image: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images.

“In the last three years of that parliament, there were four by-elections in which there was a swing of more than 20 per cent from Conservative to Labour – now we have had three in just three months.

“Of course, swings against the Government are often an exaggerated reflection of the current national mood. We certainly cannot presume that the Conservatives would do so badly, as they did on Thursday, if there was a general election any time soon.”

However, he added: “The fact Labour are now matching what the party achieved in by-elections 30 years ago strongly corroborates the message at the polls – that the Conservatives are in deep electoral trouble.”

Speaking after her victory, Ms Edwards said: “The people of Tamworth have voted for Labour’s positive vision and a fresh start. They’ve sent a clear message to Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives that they have had enough of this failed government, which has crashed the economy and destroyed our public services.

Labour's Alistair Strathern celebrates after winning the Mid Bedfordshire by-election. Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images.

“The people of Tamworth have made it clear – it’s time for change.”

She then added: “My message to the Prime Minister is get in your government car, drive to Buckingham Palace, do the decent thing, and call a general election.”

Sir Keir said: “Winning in these Tory strongholds shows the people overwhelmingly want change and they’re ready to put their faith in our changed Labour Party to deliver it. Voters across Mid Bedfordshire, Tamworth and Britain want a Labour government determined to deliver for working people, with a proper plan to rebuild our country.

“To those who have given us their trust, and those considering doing so, Labour will spend every day acting in your interests and focused on your priorities. Labour will give Britain its future back.”

Alistair Strathern after winning the Mid Bedfordshire by-election. Image: Joe Giddens/Press Association.

Shadow cabinet member Peter Kyle said the results had delivered a “political earthquake” to the Conservatives. “It is one that is sending an un-ignorable message to Westminster and to Rishi Sunak that this country deserves better,” he said.

The Conservatives have now said they must “reflect” on the circumstances leading up to the two by-election defeats. Party Chairman Greg Hands said he does not “see any enthusiasm for Labour” despite the victories, and stressed the turnout was very low.

The turnout in Tamworth was just 35.9 per cent, and in Mid Bedfordshire it was 44 per cent.

Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Hands said: “I don’t think a single person came to the door to say that despite all the problems people are facing, that Labour and Sir Keir Starmer were the solution to their problems … but clearly we need to reflect on that and we need to continue to deliver against our priorities and make sure that people see that Rishi Sunak is doing a very good job as Prime Minister.”

The Tamworth by-election was triggered by the resignation of Nadine Dorries after the former Cabinet minister was not given a peerage in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.

She initially said she would stand down as an MP in early June, but then refused to do so until she was told why she did not receive a peerage, kicking off a huge row within the Conservative Party.

The Tamworth by-election was triggered by the resignation of former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher.

He was suspended from the House of Commons and the Conservative Party after he was alleged to have groped two men while drinking at the Carlton Club in central London.

This was something Mr Pincher said caused “significant damage to the reputation of the House” and was a breach of the members’ code.