Rishi Sunak responds to by-election results

Rishi Sunak has received a timely boost ahead of his campaign to win the next general election as bookies say a Labour majority is now less likely.

The Conservatives were expected to lose three by-elections this week but managed to hold Uxbridge and South Ruislip despite falling to defeat in Selby and Ainsty and Somerton and Frome.

According to Betfair, Labour were 1/2 favorites to win the next general election before Thursday, but those odds have drifted slightly to 8/15 following the Conservative win in Boris Johnson’s former constituency.

READ MORE: Rishi Sunak to ‘weaponise’ divisive issues in desperate bid to win back voters

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Labour remain the clear favourites at 8/15, but these odds have slightly drifted from 1/2 before the by-election, meanwhile the chances of no overall majority has increased with the odds shortening to 5/2 from 3/1 after the Conservative’s shock victory in Uxbridge.

“The result was good news for Rishi Sunak, who may have eased any calls for him to go anytime soon, according to the odds, as 2023 being the year he walks has drifted to 9/1 from 15/2, likely buying the leader enough time to take the party into the next general election.”

Steve Tuckwell was elected the Conservative MP in Uxbridge and South Ruislip with 13,965 votes, ahead of Labour candidate Danny Beales who was backed by 13,470 voters.

Labour’s shock defeat in the seat sparked unrest within the party aimed at Sadiq Khan’s ULEZ expansion, a policy which could help the Tories when voters decide who will be Britain’s next prime minister.

The Party’s deputy leader Angela Rayner placed the blame on the green policy and said the loss was due to not listening to the concerns of voters in the area.

Speaking after the crucial by-election win, Mr Sunak said: “It’s clear voters want us to get back to dealing with what’s important to them. I’ll keep focusing on doing the right thing by the country – sticking to our plan and earning back trust.”

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