Conservative Party Narrowly Avoids Major Blow in Special Elections, But Suffers Significant Losses

Britain’s ruling Conservative Party narrowly avoided a major blow on Friday, holding onto the former seat of ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in suburban London. However, the party suffered two significant defeats in special elections, with their 19,000 majority in the Somerton and Frome seat and 20,000 majority in the Selby and Ainsty constituency being wiped out.

The main opposition Labour Party and the smaller centrist Liberal Democrats overturned the massive Conservative majorities to win a seat apiece. The results of Thursday’s elections, if replicated at a likely general election next year, would certainly see Labour emerge as the biggest single party, possibly with a sizeable overall majority.

The Conservative Party’s narrow success in Uxbridge and South Ruislip in west London offered Prime Minister Rishi Sunak some relief, as he was expected to become the first prime minister to lose three parliamentary seats in one day. However, the party’s defeats in the other two seats will come as a hammer blow ahead of an expected general election next year.

The Conservative Party’s losses in the special elections are likely due to scandals and high inflation, which have taken their toll on the party. The results of Thursday’s elections are a sign of what could come if the same results are replicated at a general election next year.