Boris Johnson suffers his first blow since seizing power

Britain's 'remain alliance' is jubilant after a pro-EU candidate secured a by-election win, reducing Prime Minister Boris Johnson's working majority to one.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Source: Rui Vieira/PA Wire

The first major test for the newly-installed British Prime Minister hasn’t quite gone to plan after a pro-European Union candidate prevailed in a key by-election. 

Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds claimed victory in the Brecon and Radnorshire vote, leaving the Conservative party with a working majority of just one.

Liberal Democrat MP Jane Dodds, centre, celebrates with supporters as she wins the seat in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election. Source: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Voters were forced to head to the polls after former MP Chris Davies was ousted for falsifying his parliamentary expenses.

Welsh social-democratic party Plaid Cymru and the Greens had agreed to remain out of the by-election race in order to ensure the pro-EU vote remained united.

Conservative Chris Davies speaks on stage as Liberal Democrats MP Jane Dodds looks on after winning the seat in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election. Source: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

Ms Dodds has indicated her first act will be to instruct the prime minister to rule out a no-deal Brexit scenario.

It’s an embarrassing result for Mr Johnson who has promised to crash through with plans to separate from EU, critics argue the by-election outcome is already proving a win for the ‘Remain alliance’.

Three hundred and 19 MPs now support Mr Johnson’s administration, propped up by the backing of the Democratic Unionist Party.

MORE TO COME.

With AFP...