The Tories retained Bexley and Sidcup last week without too much trouble, holding the longtime safe seat despite the government’s current troubles. But now, another by-election looms in a Conservative stronghold, where a shock upset may be even more likely.
For next Thursday is the contest in North Shropshire to find Owen Paterson’s replacement, following the former cabinet’s minister resignation in a high-profile sleaze scandal. And Mr S hears there is considerable discontent now building on the ground amid anger in the Tory shires over recent party blunders, rising taxes and an anti-politics sentiment gaining ground.
In such circumstances, it’s hardly a surprise then that the Reclaim party are hoping to mount a strong challenge here, potentially splitting the vote and paving the way for a Lib Dem triumph. Martin Daubney, the former Brexit party MEP and current Reclaim deputy leader, has been selected as Reclaim’s candidate, with Laurence Fox among those hitting the campaign trail last week.
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