Keir Starmer celebrates as labour seizes two conservative strongholds

In a surprising upset, the Labour Party has claimed victory in two formerly secure Conservative seats, dealing a significant blow to the Tories ahead of the expected general election later this year.

Damien Egan of Labour secured a win in Kingswood, defeating Tory candidate Sam Bromiley by a margin of 2,501 votes, overturning the previous safe Tory majority. Similarly, Gen Kitchen of Labour triumphed in Wellingborough, securing a majority of nearly 6,436 votes over Tory rival Helen Harrison.

Sir Keir Starmer hailed the results as “fantastic,” emphasizing that they signal a desire for change and a renewed trust in a reformed Labour Party. He stated, “The Tories have failed. Rishi’s recession proves that.”

While Labour has maintained a double-digit lead over the Tories in national opinion polls, the recent by-election victories mark a significant shift in local support. The losses will undoubtedly raise concerns within the Conservative Party, especially with the general election looming and internal discontent simmering.

The defeats in Kingswood and Wellingborough add to the string of by-election losses suffered by the Tories in recent times, indicating potential challenges for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he navigates internal party dynamics and strives to regain momentum ahead of the upcoming election.