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...
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