LABOUR has hailed its victory in the Chester by-election as a “clear message” to Rishi Sunak and his government.
The results of the City of Chester by-election saw Samantha Dixon win with a 10,974 majority, and a 61% vote share. This is Labour's best ever result in the seat.
Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, has said his party's victory demonstrates that the public is "fed up" with the Tory government.
Huge congratulations to @CllrSDixon who will be an excellent MP for City of Chester.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 2, 2022
The message to Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government is clear: People are fed up of 12 years of Tory rule and want the change Labour offers.
It's time for a Labour government.
He tweeted: “Huge congratulations to @CllrSDixon (Samantha Dixon) who will be an excellent MP for City of Chester.
“The message to Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government is clear: People are fed up of 12 years of Tory rule and want the change Labour offers.
“It’s time for a Labour government.”
It is the first election the Tory Party have contested since Sunak became Prime Minister.
READ MORE: Scotland reacts as Ian Blackford steps down from SNP Westminster role
Although Labour were expected to keep the seat, the increase in the vote margin could signal trouble for the Conservatives if similar swings were replicated across the country.
Speaking after her victory, newly elected Labour MP Dixon said: “People in Chester and across our country are really worried.
“Worried about losing their homes because they can’t afford the mortgage repayments or the rent, worried about whether they can put the heating on, worried about whether they can put food on the table for their families.
“This is the cost of 12 years of Conservative government. The government which has wreaked havoc with our economy, destroyed our public services and betrayed the people who put their trust in them at the last general election.”
She added: “Tonight, the people of Chester sent a clear message to the Conservative government.
“They have said unreservedly that Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives no longer have a mandate to govern.
READ MORE: Police informed of rape allegation against senior Tory MP
“His government has broken the promise that each generation should do better than the last.
“His government has no ideas, no plan to address the big issues facing our country.
“His government is on borrowed time and people want to change.
“It’s time for a general election and it’s time for a Labour government.”
The by-election was called due to the resignation of previous Labour MP Christian Matheson.
Matheson stepped down after the parliamentary watchdog recommended his suspension for "serious sexual misconduct."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel