Labour sweeps to victory in Blackpool South as Rishi Sunak sees by-election misery

3 May 2024, 04:49 | Updated: 3 May 2024, 06:42

Labour have won the Blackpool South by-election, with Chris Webb taking the seat previously held by Conservative Scott Benton.

The by-election was triggered after Mr Benton resigned in the wake of a lobbying scandal.

Labour won with 10,825 votes distantly followed by the Conservatives' David Jones who received 3,218.

Reform UK gave the Tories a run for their money coming close behind in third with 3,101 votes.

Speaking after his win, Mr Webb said: "People no longer trust the Conservatives. Prime Minister: do the decent thing, admit you've failed and call a general election."

The 26.33 per cent swing was the third biggest from the Conservatives to Labour at a by-election since the Second World War.

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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: “This seismic win in Blackpool South is the most important result today. This is the one contest where voters had the chance to send a message to Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives directly, and that message is an overwhelming vote for change.

“The swing towards the Labour Party in Blackpool South is truly historic and shows that we are firmly back in the service of working people.

“I am so proud of the positive campaign we ran. To those who have put their trust in us in Blackpool, and those considering giving Labour their vote, we are ready to serve your interests.

“Our new Labour MP Chris Webb has shown that after years of neglect with the Tories, there is a better alternative. The message to Rishi Sunak is clear. It’s time for change, it’s time for a general election.”

The Tories said the by-election was "always going to be difficult" given the "specific circumstances" surrounding Mr Benton.

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: "This was a tough fight and David Jones was an excellent candidate who campaigned hard for every single vote.

"This was always going to be difficult election given the specific circumstances related to the previous incumbent.

"What has been clear is that a vote for Reform is a vote for Sir Keir Starmer - taking us right back to square one."

Most of the council seats up for re-election in England were last contested in 2021, at the peak of Boris Johnson's popularity as the Covid-19 vaccine was rolled out.

A total of 11 mayoral contests are also taking place, including for the London mayoralty between frontrunners Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan and Tory challenger Susan Hall.