The Conservative Party has lost North Shropshire for the first time in nearly 200 years, to the Liberal Democrats. The shocking defeat follows months of sleaze and Christmas party scandals, and with new Plan B Covid restrictions, confidence in Boris Johnson’s leadership has collapsed.
Ailbhe Rea and Stephen Bush discuss the mood on the ground in North Shropshire and the story behind this anti-Conservative vote.
In You Ask Us, a listener wonders what the by-election result means for Boris Johnson’s political future.
If you have a question for You Ask Us, email podcasts@newstatesman.co.uk
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