The North Shropshire seat was won by the centrist Liberal Democrats by almost 6,000 votes. This overturns a 23,000-vote Conservative majority that was in place from 2019, with a large swing.
Conservatives were described as “kicking” after the defeat. Johnson’s lawmakers will be putting more pressure on Johnson as they are in a mutinous mood because they fear for the party’s reputation, electoral prospects and future.
“Tonight, North Shropshire’s people have spoken for the British people. They said loudly and clear: ‘Boris Johnson! The party is over,'” Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat candidate, said in her victory speech.
“Our country needs leadership. You’re not a leader, Mr Johnson
This shocking result comes at a moment when Johnson is being criticized on many fronts.
National opinion polls show that his ruling Conservatives trail their main rivals, Labour Party.
“Voters from North Shropshire were fed-up and they gave them a kicking, and I think that they wanted to send a message,” Oliver Dowden, Conservative chairman and lawmaker, told Sky News. Sky News is owned by Comcast, the parent company of NBC News.
Johnson stated that he understands the frustration of voters about what he called “a constant litany” of information and politics.
He stated to reporters, “Ofcourse I accept personal responsibility.”
Public outcry about lawmakers’ second jobs, criticisms of Johnson’s funding of lavish refurbishments of his flat and an increase in Covid-19 cases have fueled doubts about Johnson’s leadership.
Because the incumbent Conservative was found to have violated rules regarding paid lobbying, the vote for North Shropshire, one of Britain’s 650 seats, was called outside the regular election cycle.
After Johnson’s outcry over Johnson’s integrity and trust, the government tried to prevent Johnson from resigning by amending rules to stop corruption in Parliament. However, they were forced to reverse their efforts.
Since 1983, when the constituency was formed in its current form, the Conservatives have won every election in the predominantly rural central England area.
Voters often use so-called by-elections to punish the ruling party. However, the Liberal Democrat victory will be seen as evidence of widespread public dissatisfaction.
Johnson retains a large number of seats in parliament despite a significant 2019 election win. This was built on the promise to “Get Brexit Done” that unites traditional right-leaning Conservative voters and a wide range of new supporters.
North Shropshire was pro-Brexit and a staunchly Conservative region. Analysts believe Johnson’s loss on Friday may undermine Johnson’s authority in the face of open rebellion by lawmakers over his plans to introduce Covid-19 passports.
The 2024 election will be the next national election in Britain.
