Oliver Dowden resigns as Conservative party chair after two by-election defeats
24.06.2022 - 08:57
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Oliver Dowden has resigned as chairman of the Conservative Party after it suffered two by-election defeats.
The MP said in a letter to the Prime Minister that 'we cannot carry on with business as usual' and 'someone must take responsibility' after Liberal Democrats overturned a 24,000 Tory majority to win in Tiverton and Honiton and Labour reclaimed Wakefield.
The contests, triggered by the resignation of disgraced Tories, offered voters the chance to give their verdict on Boris Johnson just weeks after 41 per cent of his own MPs cast their ballots against him. Mr Dowden said in his letter to the PM the by-elections 'are the latest in a run of very poor results for our party'.
READ MORE: Double by-election humiliation for Boris Johnson
"Our supporters are distressed and disappointed by recent events, and I share their feelings", he said in his letter. "We cannot carry on with business as usual. Somebody must take responsibility and I have concluded that, in these circumstances, it would not be right for me to remain in office."
Mr Dowden ended his letter by saying: "I want to emphasise that this is a deeply personal decision that I have taken alone. I will, as always, remain loyal to the Conservative Party."
A dramatic swing of almost 30 per cent from the Tories to the Liberal Democrats saw Richard Foord secure a majority of 6,144 in Tiverton and Honiton. The new Lib Dem MP used his acceptance speech to call for Mr Johnson 'to go, and go now', claiming his victory had 'sent a shockwave through British politics'.
Mr Foord said: "The people of Tiverton and Honiton have spoken for Britain. They sent a loud and clear message – it’s time for Boris Johnson to go, and go now."
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: "This should be