LONDON: In a significant electoral test preceding the anticipated general election next year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s governing Conservatives experienced both gains and losses. While the party managed to retain Boris Johnson’s former constituency, the unexpected defeat in two strategically important parliamentary seats dealt a blow to the main opposition Labour Party.
The opposition’s triumph in the Selby and Ainsty by-election was particularly remarkable, marking their most substantial victory in a by-election since World War Two. This result underscored the challenges facing Prime Minister Sunak, who has sought to restore the Conservative Party’s credibility after a series of scandals forced Boris Johnson’s resignation, followed by economic turmoil during Liz Truss’s short-lived tenure as his successor, according to Arab News.
The Conservative Party faced an additional crushing loss in another by-election but narrowly held onto Johnson’s former seat by a margin of fewer than 500 votes. This victory came as a significant relief for Sunak, as it prevented him from becoming the first British leader in over half a century to lose three by-elections in a single day.
Sunak, a former finance minister and investment banker, has attempted to utilize his technocratic leadership to rebuild the Conservatives’ standing. However, the party’s efforts have been complicated by persistently high inflation, economic stagnation, rising taxes and mortgage rates, industrial unrest, and lengthy waiting times to access state-run health services.
In the lead-up to Thursday’s by-elections, the Conservative Party was prepared for the possibility of losing all three contests. National opinion polls have consistently shown the party trailing behind the opposition Labour Party by a significant 20-point margin, suggesting that the ruling party may fail to secure a fifth consecutive general election victory.
Nonetheless, Labour’s loss in the Uxbridge by-election serves as a reminder that their lead in the polls may not necessarily translate into a clear parliamentary majority. Pollster John Curtice, a prominent figure in British politics, analyzed Labour’s performance in Uxbridge and predicted a hung parliament as the most likely outcome in the next general election, which must take place by January 2025.
Conservative Party’s chances
Considering the present landscape, it seems that the Conservative Party has a long way to go before it can solidify its chances of retaining power after the upcoming general election. As the tide remains distant for the Conservatives, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and they must make significant strides to regain voter confidence and secure a viable position in the parliamentary landscape.
