Boris Johnson has described his party’s defeat in the Chesham and Amersham by-election as “disappointing”.
The Lib Dems overturned a huge Tory majority to score an historic win, with Sarah Green wining by 8,000 votes in a seat which had been a safe Conservative stronghold since its creation.
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said the result showed that the “blue wall” of Tory seats in the south could be demolished. One former Tory minister said it showed that some voters in the south considered Boris Johnson to be a “charlatan”.
Meanwhile, the DUP is yet looking for another new leader after the short tenure of Edwin Poots – forced out last night after only 20 days in charge of the party.
His resignation came after an angry party revolt against his decision to agree a deal with Sinn Fein and nominate a new first minister – leaving power-sharing arrangements at Stormont in disarray.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson is set to strip the Electoral Commission of the power to prosecute law-breaking – just weeks after it launched an investigation into his controversial flat refurb.
– Irish Taoiseach calls for ‘calm heads’ in Northern Ireland
Irish premier Micheal Martin has urged those at the centre of the political crisis in Northern Ireland to remain “calm”, as the province emerges from a “very turbulent” 24 hours.
Mr Martin said it was important everyone worked collectively to maintain stability in Northern Ireland.
Edwin Poots announced he was quitting as leader of the DUP on Thursday, just weeks after taking up the role.
The DUP is now searching for a new leader, after party members rebelled against Mr Poots’ decision to nominate Paul Givan as Northern Ireland First Minister.
Speaking in Dublin, Mr Martin said it had been a difficult period for Northern Ireland.
“I think it is very important that we all work collectively on the island towards maintaining stability and calm heads and staying focused on what is important to the people within Northern Ireland,” he added.
– Speaker to welcome Pelosi for G7 conference
Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will host the G7 Speakers’ conference in his Lancashire constituency from 17 to 19 September.
Nancy Pelosi, Washington’s house speaker, is expected to attend, along with representataives from the EU, France, Italy, Germany, Canada and Japan.
The politicians will share experiences and information on parliamentary matters at the summit, which will be held at Astley Hall in Chorley.
“I look forward to welcoming my counterparts to one of the most beautiful parts of the UK – to the town where I was born and brought up – to Lancashire and the north west,” Sir Lindsay said.
