London, December 17

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday he took personal responsibility for the loss of a Conservative stronghold in a byelection defeat that showed public dismay over a litany of scandals and stepped up pressure the from mutinous lawmakers.

The centrist Liberal Democrat candidate, Helen Morgan, won by nearly 6,000 votes the North Shropshire seat, a rural area that has been represented by Conservatives almost continuously since 1832. “Tonight, the people of North Shropshire have spoken on behalf of the British people. They have said loudly and clearly, ‘Boris Johnson, the party is over’,” Morgan said.

Johnson said he understood the frustration felt by voters over what he described as “a constant litany of stuff about politics and politicians”.

He did not refer directly to the criticism he faces on several fronts, including over reports his staff held parties last Christmas when the country was in a lockdown. — Agencies

Loss after 190 yrs

Conservatives lose North Shropshire seat after almost 190 years. Johnson has been facing criticism over his Covid handling and reports that his staff held parties amid lockdown.