Michael Tomlinson, the Minister for Illegal Immigration, has come to the defence of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the wake of recent by-election losses, asserting that they do not reflect dissatisfaction with Sunak’s policies.
Last week, Labour secured victories in two traditionally Conservative strongholds, Kingswood and Wellingborough, overturning significant majorities.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Tomlinson acknowledged the challenging circumstances surrounding the by-elections, noting that governments typically struggle in such contests. He interpreted the outcomes as a signal for reform rather than a condemnation of Sunak’s leadership.
However, Kuenssberg countered Tomlinson’s interpretation, suggesting that the electorate’s discontent is directed towards Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Sunak specifically. She emphasized a pattern of setbacks coinciding with Sunak’s tenure, suggesting a perceived failure on his part.
Labour’s victory in Kingswood, where they overturned a Conservative majority of 11,220, and their significant 28.5% swing in Wellingborough, represent substantial blows to the Conservative Party’s electoral standing.
The upcoming general election poses a dual challenge for Sunak, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats mobilizing on the left and the Reform party emerging as a threat from the right. The Reform party, successor to Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, garnered notable support in both Kingswood and Wellingborough, signaling a broader dissatisfaction among voters.
In response to these electoral setbacks, Sunak has sought to rally support against the Reform party, warning that their votes could inadvertently benefit Labour.
The Conservative Party’s tally of 11 lost seats in by-elections during this parliamentary term marks the highest number for any government since the 1960s, underscoring the significance of these recent defeats.
Watch the interview below:
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