Tory insiders played down expectations as polls closed, insisting it was “too close to call”.
A Conservative source said it was “always was going to be tough – we didn’t win in 2019 and we lost by over 100,000 votes in the West Yorkshire mayoral race”.
“On top of that, governing parties don’t normally win by-elections,” the source added – although Hartlepool showed Mr Johnson’s party was capable of making further cracks in Labour’s northern Red Wall.
Mr Stephenson said: “Whatever the result, you proved that more and more local people are ready for change.”
Mr Galloway said: “One thing is certain: it’s curtains for Keir.”
Labour faces anxious wait as polls close in crucial Batley and Spen by-election
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Labour faces anxious wait as polls close in crucial Batley and Spen by-election
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Labour faces anxious wait as polls close in crucial Batley and Spen by-election
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Labour faces anxious wait as polls close in crucial Batley and Spen by-election
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