Date set for Rishi Sunak's double by-election nightmare as PM faces humiliation

11 January 2024 , 11:01

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Rishi Sunak has lost four seats in by-elections since becoming Prime Minister

Rishi Sunak faces a double by-election nightmare next month with two by-elections expected on the same day.

The Government has formally triggered the contests to replace Peter Bone, who was booted out over bullying and sexual misconduct allegations, and Chris Skidmore, who quit in a fury last week. Votes in their Wellingborough and Kingswood constituencies are now expected to take place on February 15.

Former Tory Mr Bone was handed a six-week suspension by MPs after an inquiry found he had subjected a staff member to bullying and sexual misconduct. More than 10% of voters in Wellingborough then voted to recall him.

And former Net Zero tsar Mr Skidmore resigned as a Conservative MP for Kingswood, Gloucestershire, on Friday, in protest at plans to boost oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. In 2019, the Conservatives secured a majority of 18,540 in Wellingborough and 11,220 in Kingswood.

Since becoming Prime Minister, Mr Sunak has lost four seats in by-elections and only managed to retain Uxbridge and South Ruislip by 495 votes. In Selby and Ainsty Labour overturned a Tory majority of over 20,000, meaning both seats being contested next month could be at risk.

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Mr Skidmore has said Mr Sunak should face "consequences" for rolling back on environmental pledges, and refused to back the Tories. Asked if he would encourage voters to back the party in the fight for his old seat, Mr Skidmore told The Times: "I'm now independent and I've said clearly that I'm focusing on net zero. I've left party politics behind, I want to work with all political parties that prioritise the energy transition." In another headache for the PM, Mr Skidmore said he's prepared to work with Labour on environmental issues.

At the weekend the Tories announced Mr Bone's girlfriend, Helen Harrison, a Tory councillor in Northamptonshire, would contest the vacant seat. Mr Sunak said on Monday that the choice was made by the local Conservative association, but said he was hoping for a victory.

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “One of these by-elections is a result of a sexual harassment scandal and the other from an MP who didn’t want to be associated with the Conservative Party anymore. Even Conservative MPs are tired of this Conservative government so it’s no wonder the public is crying out for a general election and an end to this chaos.

“Their majority is being whittled away with by-election after by-election as voters are given the opportunity to send a message to out of touch Rishi Sunak."

Dave Burke