Testing times for Tories in byelections offer opportunities for opposition

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting on the campaign trail with Labour activists for the looming byelection in Selby, the seat vacated by Tory MP Nigel Adams. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

With signs that the Tory poll ratings are taking another hit after Boris Johnson’s resignation and the growing mortgage costs crisis, Rishi Sunak now faces a series of byelections he could do without. They also hand Labour the chance to prove it is mounting a serious challenge.

Selby and Ainsty
Held by: Conservatives
Majority: 20,137
The resignation of Nigel Adams, an ultra-loyal Boris Johnson ally, means a new MP for the North Yorkshire seat. It would be a very safe constituency in normal times, but with the Tories sinking in the polls, there will be nervousness in CCHQ. Labour see the seat as an outside bet, though a split progressive vote with the Lib Dems may help the Tories hold on.