Following the resignation of two conservative Members of Parliament, two bi-elections were held in the UK on 23 June. The Tories lost both. Wakefield returned to Labour while the Liberal Democrats, one of ALDE Party’s member parties in the UK, won in the seat of Tiverton and Honiton. This a rural constituency in Devon that for 99 years has been represented by a Tory MP.

The liberals headed by Richard Foord overturned that history and won the election with a 6,144 votes majority! With almost 30% of the votes changing sides this is one of the largest bi-election swings in British Parliamentary history.

Foord’s campaign focused on three key issues: urgent action to cut the cost of living, cut waiting times for General Practitioners and ambulances and getting a fairer deal for Devon farmers. Learn more here.

The new MP for Tiverton and Honiton was humbled by the overwhelming supported he received from his community and promised to be its champion and fight for them.

I am so humbled by the support shown to me from people across our communities.

As your MP, I promise to be your champion and fight for you.https://t.co/EGBGQeuRV5

— Richard Foord MP (@RichardFoordLD) June 24, 2022

Sir Edward Davey, Member of the UK’s Parliament and leader of the Liberal Democrats, congratulated Foord on his stunning victory commending him for making political history and becoming the party’s 14^th member of Parliament.

The Liberal Democrats have made political history with this stunning victory in Tiverton and Honiton.

I'm delighted that @RichardFoordLD will be joining us as our 14th MP. He’s going to be a brilliant local champion for the people of Devon.

— Ed Davey MP 🔶 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@EdwardJDavey) June 24, 2022

This is the Liberal Democrats third bi-election victory over the ruling Conservative Party in a year. Commenting on this Davey declared:

"The biggest majority ever overturned in a bi-election. A seat that had been Conservative for nearly 100 years. The third 'safe' Tory seat we've taken in a year. Let that sink in."

The biggest majority ever overturned in a by-election.
A seat that had been Conservative for nearly 100 years.
The third 'safe' Tory seat we've taken in a year.

Let that sink in. pic.twitter.com/TTmFI8bViu

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) June 25, 2022

"The British people are fed up of having their expectations managed. For years, Boris Johnson has said things will get better. But things keep getting worse. So let me tell the Prime Minister: the British people expect to be led, and to be led with decency," he added.

"The British people are fed up of having their expectations managed.

"For years, Boris Johnson has said things will get better. But things keep getting worse.

"So let me tell the Prime Minister: the British people expect to be led, and to be led with decency."@EdwardJDavey pic.twitter.com/0ZqLBuK37Y

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) June 24, 2022

The conservative party is headed to another crises. After a series of scandals that led to a vote of non-confidence on the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, which he barely won, the Tory electoral fiasco was the last stroke for Oliver Downden, the Chairman of the Conservative party, who resigned saying that they cannot continue business as usual and called for a leadership change.