The latest info on the Tamworth (Chris Pincher) and Mid Bedfordshire (Nadine Dorries) by-elections.

Tamworth

  1. The by-election is scheduled for 19 October 2023 due to the resignation of Chris Pincher MP, following a scandal and his recommended suspension from the House of Commons.
  2. Background:
    • Chris Pincher was involved in a controversy surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct. His suspension from the House of Commons was recommended due to these allegations.
    • The Tamworth constituency was previously considered a bellwether but has become a Conservative safe seat in recent years.
  3. Candidates:
    • The Conservatives initially selected Eddie Hughes as their candidate, but he later announced he wouldn’t stand. The party then selected Andrew Cooper as their candidate.
    • Labour has selected Sarah Edwards as their candidate.
  4. In Tamworth, a 21.3% swing is needed for Labour to win, a seat they last won in 2010.

Mid Bedfordshire

  1. The by-election is also scheduled for 19 October 2023 after Nadine Dorries’ resignation.
  2. Background:
    • Nadine Dorries announced her resignation on 9 June 2023 but delayed the formal process until 29 Augus.
    • The Mid Bedfordshire constituency has been held by the Conservatives since 1931, with Dorries serving as its MP since 2005.
  3. Initial announcement:
    • Dorries had previously announced her decision to stand down, having been a strong supporter of Boris Johnson. There was speculation about her receiving a peerage in Johnson’s resignation honors list.
    • Dorries’ resignation came after reports she was dropped from the honors list to avoid a by-election.
  4. Candidates:
    • The Conservative Party selected Festus Akinbusoye as their candidate .
    • Labour chose Alistair Strathern.
    • The Liberal Democrats selected Emma Holland-Lindsay.
    • Reform UK announced Dave Holland as their candidate.
    • The chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, Gareth Mackey, announced his candidacy as an independent.
  5. Labour is favored in Mid Bedfordshire, which historically has been a Conservative stronghold. A recent poll showed both Labour and the Conservatives at 29%.