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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Heather Stewart

Byelections to test ‘toxic’ Boris Johnson’s appeal with voters

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons
A bad night for the Tories will throw the focus back on to Johnson and the effects of the Partygate scandal. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/AP

Last week’s confidence vote showed that Boris Johnson still has the support of his backbenchers – just. But on Thursday, the prime minister will face two critical tests by the voters who really matter: the British public.

A pair of byelections, one in Wakefield and the other in Tiverton and Honiton, will help wavering MPs answer the question of how toxic their beleagured leader has become with the electorate.

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