Victory in the Wakefield poll could mean the end of Boris Johnson, says Labour

Labor has launched its Wakefield by-election campaign, saying winning the seat back for the party “could spell the end of Boris Johnson”.

Candidate Simon Lightwood was joined at Ossett Cricket and Athletic Club by Housing and Communities Secretary Lisa Nandy, who said the June 23 poll could mean “a new start for the country”.

Mr Lightwood told supporters this was “a by-election which could not only provide a fresh start for Wakefield but could also help shape the future of the country”.

He said: “Wakefield has the power to send a message to the Conservative Party.

“We know that the eyes of the country are on us.

“After repeated lies and breaking the law, a Tory defeat here could spell the end of Boris Johnson.”

Wakefield was one of the so-called Red Wall seats won by the Conservatives in the 2019 general election, after being a Labor stronghold since the 1930s.

But a by-election was called after the resignation of conservative Imran Ahmad Khan, who won in 2019 following his conviction for sexually assaulting a boy.

Ms Nandy was asked on Wednesday whether it was essential for Labor to win back Wakefield.

She said: “We are not satisfied, we were going out and fighting for every vote. There is a lot at stake.

“This is a new beginning for Wakefield, which deserves an MP of integrity and decency.

“It’s also a new beginning for the country.”

Ms Nandy said: “We lost Wakefield three years ago, as well as many, many seats that have consistently voted Labor for decades. And we know we have a mountain to climb.

“We are not satisfied. We’re winning back people’s trust.”

Mr Lightwood outlined a five-point plan for Wakefield which included a pledge to deliver investment and well-paid jobs, improve bus services, tackle anti-social behavior and reverse the recent rise in National Insurance, as well as a promise to fight. to keep a local health center.

The Conservatives elected Wakefield councilor Nadeem Ahmed to defend the 3,358 majority the party achieved in 2019.

When nominations closed last week, there were 15 candidates, including Mr Lightwood and Mr Ahmed.

The others are: Akef Akbar (Independent); Paul Bickerdike (Christian Peoples Alliance); Mick Dodgson (Alliance for Freedom); Sir Archibald Stanton Earl ‘Eaton (Monster Raving Loony); Jayda Fransen (independent); Jordan Gaskell (Ukip); David Herdson (Yorkshire Party); Therese Hirst (English Democrat); Christopher Jones (Northern Independence); Jamie Needle (Liberal Democrats); Ashley Routh (green); Ashlea Simon (primarily UK); Chris Walsh (Reform UK).

The Wakefield poll comes on the same day as the Tiverton and Honiton by-elections, which were called after Tory MP Neil Parish resigned over his viewing of pornography in the Commons.