Starmer hails 'redrawing political map' as Tories suffers double by-election defeat

20 October 2023, 03:30 | Updated: 20 October 2023, 06:23

Labour won Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire
Labour won Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire. Picture: Getty

By Kit Heren

Labour has won two by-elections from the Conservatives in a sensational night for Sir Keir Starmer's party, which he said was 'redrawing the political map'.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire both went from blue to red early on Friday morning, overturning huge majorities in both constituencies.

In Tamworth, Labour's Sarah Edwards defeated Tory Andrew Cooper. Edwards won 11,719 votes in the Staffordshire race compared to Cooper's 10,403 - giving her a majority of 1,316.

Sir Keir Starmer said after his party won both seats: "These are phenomenal results that show Labour is back in the service of working people and redrawing the political map.

"Winning in these Tory strongholds shows that 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."

Tamworth saw a turnout of 35.9%, with a total of 25,630 votes - aa swing of 23.9%, the highest by-election swing to Labour since 1945.

In Mid Bedfordshire, Labour's Alistair Strathern beat the Conservative Festus Akinbusoye. Labour won 13,872 votes, compared to the Conservatives' 12,680 votes, for a majority of 1,192. That was a swing of 20.5%.

The Liberal Democrats won 9,420 votes. The turnout was 44%.

The by-elections were triggered by resignation of former Conservative MPs Nadine Dorries and Chris Pincher.

Read more: Labour win Mid Bedfordshire from Tories in by-election, overturning huge majority in seat held by Tories since 1931

Read more: Labour wins Tamworth by-election from Conservatives, wiping out huge majority in 'phenomenal' result

New Tamworth Labour MP Sarah Edwards
New Tamworth Labour MP Sarah Edwards. Picture: Getty

Mid Bedfordshire had been a Conservative seat since 1931 and former Culture Secretary Dorries had a majority of 24,664 votes.

The Conservatives had had a 19,600 majority in Tamworth.

The overturning of two huge Tory majorities comes just under a year after Rishi Sunak took over as PM, following the disastrous short tenure of Liz Truss.

Edwards said after her victory: "The people of Tamworth have made it clear: it's time for change."

Labour candidate Alistair Strathern celebrates
Labour candidate Alistair Strathern celebrates. Picture: Getty

"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."

Mid Bedfordshire's Strathern said: "After decades of being taken for granted, feeling left behind, feeling under-represented, they made the decision it was time for a change."

Counting underway in Mid Bedfordshire
Counting underway in Mid Bedfordshire. Picture: Getty

Dorries, a former Cabinet minister under Boris Johnson, stepped down as an MP after being denied a peerage in Boris Johnson's resignation honours list.

Pincher resigned after he was found to have drunkenly groped two men in an "egregious case of sexual misconduct" at the Carlton Club in London last year.

That scandal helped trigger Mr Johnson's departure from Downing Street, as a result of his handling of the situation.

The results will send shockwaves through Westminster, and make for ominous reading for Rishi Sunak as he prepares to lead the Conservatives into the next general election.

But Sir Keir and his party will be feeling very buoyed by the twin victories as he looks to become the first Labour Prime Minister since 2010.

This was the third and fourth by-elections Labour has won in 2023, after victories in Selby and Ainsty in July, and Rutherglen and Hamilton West earlier this month.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Hannah has given fans a glimpse into her new life

Hannah Spearritt gives fans glimpse into life after S Club 7 as she becomes 'survivalist and prepper' in American jungle

A 'professional group of travelling burglars' broke into Newcastle striker Alexander Isak's home and stole his car, jewellery worth £68,000 and up to £10,000 in cash, a court has heard.

Alexander Isak shares emotional statement as family of 'professional burglars' who targeted his home are jailed

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

George Wendt

Tributes pour in after Cheers icon George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson, dies aged 76

A British Bulldog Sat on a Union Jack Rug

British bulldog considered a 'status symbol' as pet becomes Britain's most expensive dog breed

A spokesperson for the British actor said on Tuesday that the screen legend died from heart failure

Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay dies aged 92

The Home Office UK Visas & Immigration Office at Lunar House in Croydon, London, UK.

Iraqi asylum seeker avoids deportation after asking for 'time to make up a reason' to stay

Sean 'Diddy' Combs is on trial for sex trafficking.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs 'threatened to release two sex tapes' of ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, trial hears

The foxes could be handed a points deduction if found guilty.

Leicester City face points deduction after fresh financial misconduct charges

Police were called to Ickenham Road, Ruislip, on May 3 to find the kittens cut open with ropes attached to them

Teens admit to torturing and killing kittens found hanged and mutilated in London

The superyacht's main boom and anchor have now been recovered from the seabed after the ship sank.

First pieces of tech tycoon Mike Lynch’s superyacht emerge from seabed after sinking tragedy

Kyra Hill, 11, drowned during a birthday party at a waterpark.

Father pays tribute to girl, 11, as inquest hears she was 'killed unlawfully' in waterpark party

Picture of Wolves striker Matheus Cunha

When does the transfer window open?

Loose Women will continue to air for one hour from 12.30pm, but again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year

ITV axes Lorraine and Loose Women for half the year in major daytime schedule shake-up

The class action against Mastercard dates back to 2016

Millions of Brits set to receive £70 each as Mastercard ordered to pay compensation after legal battle

Sir Adrian Montague said he may have "misspoken" during an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee session with MPs last week.

Thames Water chief ‘may have misspoken’ after saying lenders of £3bn rescue fund ‘insisted’ bosses receive bonuses