London politics latest LIVE: Rishi Sunak breaks cover as Tories reel from double by-election hammer blow

Rishi Sunak said by-elections had taken place in “particularly challenging circumstances” after Labour claimed double victories over the Tories in Wellingborough and Kingswood. Sir Keir Starmer’s party overturned majorities of 11,220 and 18,540, securing its second largest swing from the Conservatives ever in Wellingborough, in what the leader said was a sign “people want change”. Gen Kitchen secured the Northamptonshire seat with 45.8% of the vote, while Damien Egan won Kingswood with 44.9% of the vote.