The results, which came in at 3 a.m:
In her victory speech Abdi-Wali said she hopes to show people “background does not determine the size of their dreams… I will never forget where I came from and I will always fight for this place.” Turnout was 39%. The Greens increased by 23 points which means they did better than simply absorbing Andrew Feinstein’s 2024 vote of 19 points. Polanski’s gambit has failed, though…
The Green leader told GB News: “Yes, I’ve taken a loss tonight, but our movement is so much bigger than one election or one motion. We are going to build and we are going to grow.” Standing his ground…
Some vultures are circling though. Ex-leader Caroline Lucas was asked by Newsnight if he should stand down, responding: “I think let’s just see what happens in the coming days and weeks. Obviously he has been completely taken up with this by-election.”
Restore prevented Reform from taking third place. A common phenomenon emerging…
Kemi Badenoch at the 1922-ConHome bash last night:
“I did praise [Burnham] for his stamina, it was amazing. All I had to do was sit back and lie there. I didn’t have to do anything at all…”