The by-election was called because the Labour MP resigned his safe seat after making unwise posts on social media. The Labour Party view was that it would be a fight between Labour and Reform so ran a scare campaign. The famously strong Labour ground operation swung into action with reports that a thousand volunteers were out and about knocking on doors. According to a number of observers the Green ground operation was also large and well organised. It could be worse, but one thing we definitely do not need is a low-turnout election.

Source: The Guardian February 28, 2026 10:56 UTC