Boris Johnson faces bruises 24 hours before two key post-election tests

A defeat would undermine the Prime Minister’s reputation as a vote-winner – the reason many Tory MPs remain with him

Boris Johnson faces 24 hours from two key by-elections today.

Labor is set to win in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, as it rebuilds support in its former Red Wall heartlands.

And the Lib Dems are thought to be neck and neck with the Tories in the Devon towns of Tiverton and Honiton.

A defeat would undermine the Prime Minister’s reputation as a vote-winner – the reason many Tory MPs remain with him. Tory sources were privately dejected about their chances of keeping Wakefield.

One said: “Let’s face it, it’s going to be an easy night. We all know that some of this affects the Prime Minister personally.” Labor sources have been optimistic about their chances of toppling the 3,358-strong Tories.

Labor leader Keir Starmer said last night: “The people of Wakefield have a chance to send a message to the Tories that enough is enough.”

Labour’s Simon Lightwood needs a 3.8% momentum to win Wakefield. In Tiverton and Honiton, ex-Army Major Richard Foord, 44, has a Tory majority of 24,239 to topple for the Lib Dems. A Lib Dem source said: “We are seeing a lot of traditional Tories saying they don’t like Boris. You feel like he has forgotten you.”