about his leadership style — after the conservatives�* crushing defeat in the north shropshire by—election. the liberal democrats overturned a huge tory majority of almost 23,000 — and won by nearly 6,000 votes. mrjohnson said he took personal responsibility for the result, but also blamed a "constant litany of stuff about politics and politicians" in the media. the shock result follows a torrid week for the prime minister, with a major commons rebellion over tougher covid measures, and criticism of downing street parties held in breach of lockdown rules. tonight the country's top civil servant, the cabinet secretary simon case, stepped aside from leading the inquiry into those parties, after it emerged an event had been held in his own office. 0ur political editor laura kuenssberg reports. two, one... cheering. they might not do subtle. it turns out that if you take the people for granted, there is a price to pay.