Conservative MP George Freeman reacts to by-election results

George Freeman, MP for Mid-Norfolk, who was first elected in 2010, was speaking after three by-elections were held across the country, which saw his party the Conservatives suffer two heavy defeats, but kept a hold of Uxbridge and South Ruislip, formerly Boris Johnson's seat.

three by-elections were held across the country, which saw his party the Conservatives suffer two heavy defeats, but kept a hold of the seat in Uxbridge, formerly belonging to Boris Johnson

“This was an unprecedented night," he said. 

"I can't ever remember a government facing three by-elections in three corners of the country on the same night while in government, in the teeth of a war-triggered cost-of-living crisis.

“I think the result in Uxbridge is very exciting and suggests that the next election is still very much undecided and that we have everything to fight for and I'm confident that Rishi Sunak's qualities as a prime minister when it comes to the ultimate decision in two years - I think we stand a much better chance than people have been assuming."

The Lib Dems claimed Somerton and Frome, overturning a majority of more than 19,000 with a 29pc swing.

George Freeman, MP for Mid-Norfolk (Image: Archant 2018)

Labour took the North Yorkshire seat of Selby and Ainsty, overturning a 20,137 majority.

National opinion polls seem to suggest that the Conservatives' time in government is over, but Mr Freeman said that was a bold prediction.

“I think in politics it's unwise of any party to think they've got the voters in the bag,” he said.

“I work here as an MP on the basis that there is no such thing as a safe seat or a safe vote, and we have to earn the right to serve.”