What’s next for the Tories and Rishi Sunak after double by-election upset? Ask John Rentoul anything
The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul will be taking your questions as Rishi Sunak suffers major blow, with Labour overturning Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire seats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Conservative Party is facing an election “armageddon” after suffering defeats in two fiercely contested by-elections.
Huge Tory majorities evaporated overnight in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claiming he was “redrawing the political map”.
Overturning the biggest majority in British by-election history, Labour snatched Nadine Dorries’ old Mid Bedfordshire seat from the Tories for the first time.
Meanwhile, Tamworth saw the second biggest swing ever from the Conservative Party to Labour in a by-election.
Former chancellor George Osborne warned the record defeats spell “armageddon” for the Conservatives at the next general election.
So what happens next for the Tory party? And how will this impact what Rishi Sunak does next?
Are the results are clear foreshadowing of what’s in store at the next election? Or is there further nuance at play?
If you have a question on the by election fallout, submit it now here, or when I join you live at 3pm on Friday 20 October for the “Ask Me Anything” event.
Register to submit your question in the comments box under this article. If you’re not already a member, click “sign up” in the comments section to leave your question. For a full guide on how to comment click here.
Don’t worry if you can’t see your question – they may be hidden until I join the conversation to answer them. Then join us live on this page at 3pm as I tackle as many questions as I can.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments