following the resignation of ex conservative mp chris skidmore. the former minister stood down last month over the government s energy plans. the other by election in wellingborough, was called following a recall petition in the northamptonshire constituency. it was prompted by former tory mp peter bone s suspension from the house of commons for six weeks, for breaching the mps code of conduct. well, there has aleady been what we could describe as some expectation management from both the conservatives and labour party who issued statements after the polls had closed. the tory one said. we have fought robust campaigns on the ground in both of these seats with local candidates. but these by elections were always going to be hard. the government of the day rarely win by elections . whilst the labour statement said we were always aware of the challenge ahead of us with the large conservative majorities in both seats, which are both beyond our target list for a general elect