It is a result that has sent shockwaves through the Conservative Party. One of Boris Johnson’s main strengths was that, under him, the party wins elections.
But a shire Tory revolt saw the Liberal Democrats overturn a 16,000 majority to win the Chesham and Amersham by-election on a swing of more than 25 per cent. That is larger than the 16 per cent swing achieved by the Tories in Hartlepool.
Tory backbenchers in safe seats may try to console themselves that local issues as ever played a major role in the election. Concerns about HS2 and planning reform featured heavily in the campaign.
The once-moribund Lib Dems also benefited from an impressive candidate, Sarah Green.
But such a response smacks of complacency. There is a strong sense that this rebuke to the Government, delivered by what was once its core vote, is about much more.
Boris Johnson achieved a remarkable 80-seat majority at the 2019 general election, in large part by painting traditionally Labour seats blue.
And it has governed in that manner — doing all it can to appeal to those voters to ensure they do not revert back as soon as Brexit’s ‘done’.
But in doing so, it has taken its southern vote for granted. And the South is now finding its voice. Levelling-up is seen by many as divisive, as North versus South, not one nation.
We need to stop talking about walls and instead tear them down. The fear is the Conservatives do not have a coherent plan or economic strategy for the entire nation, but instead pursue a largely political one aimed at holding newly-won constituencies.
The hope is that this result will be a wake-up call for Johnson to start governing for the whole country.
