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High court quashes bid to prosecute Boris Johnson over false referendum claim about cost of EU - live news High court quashes bid to prosecute Boris Johnson over false referendum claim about cost of EU - live news
(32 minutes later)
The high court has not given its reasons yet for its decision to quash the Boris Johnson prosecution. But this, from the barrister and legal blogger Matthew Scott, may help to explain why the court took the decision it did.
The Court's judgment stopping the #BorisJohnson prosecution hasn't been published yet, but this (from last year) is why I thought Mr Ball's case was an ill-conceived publicity stunt. https://t.co/JR8E9MIArB pic.twitter.com/H8OuY7g4ui
This is from Andrew Smith, a partner at the law firm Corker Binning, commenting on the Boris Johnson decision. He said:This is from Andrew Smith, a partner at the law firm Corker Binning, commenting on the Boris Johnson decision. He said:
If the high court hadn’t quashed the summons, the CPS would surely have intervened to discontinue it for public interest reasons. Legally, there is no election-specific statutory offence of providing false or misleading information, except in relation to a candidate’s character or conduct. Marcus Ball therefore had to rely on misconduct in public office, an ill-defined common law offence, much criticised by law reform bodies such as the law commission. The high court was clearly not satisfied that the district judge had applied this law correctly – and frankly to prosecute a politician for making allegedly false or misleading claims during a political campaign would have been not only legally remarkable but without precedent.If the high court hadn’t quashed the summons, the CPS would surely have intervened to discontinue it for public interest reasons. Legally, there is no election-specific statutory offence of providing false or misleading information, except in relation to a candidate’s character or conduct. Marcus Ball therefore had to rely on misconduct in public office, an ill-defined common law offence, much criticised by law reform bodies such as the law commission. The high court was clearly not satisfied that the district judge had applied this law correctly – and frankly to prosecute a politician for making allegedly false or misleading claims during a political campaign would have been not only legally remarkable but without precedent.
Here is the text of the decision (pdf) issued by District Judge Margot Coleman last week explaining why she was allowing the private prosecution of Boris Johnson to go ahead. Today her decision has been overturned, and the summons against Johnson has been quashed.Here is the text of the decision (pdf) issued by District Judge Margot Coleman last week explaining why she was allowing the private prosecution of Boris Johnson to go ahead. Today her decision has been overturned, and the summons against Johnson has been quashed.
This is from the Press Association on the Boris Johnson case.This is from the Press Association on the Boris Johnson case.
Boris Johnson will not face a criminal prosecution over claims he made during the referendum campaign about the UK sending 350 million a week to the EU after winning a high court challenge.Boris Johnson will not face a criminal prosecution over claims he made during the referendum campaign about the UK sending 350 million a week to the EU after winning a high court challenge.
The former foreign secretary was handed a summons, issued by District Judge Margot Coleman on May 29, to attend Westminster magistrates’ court to face three allegations of misconduct in public office.The former foreign secretary was handed a summons, issued by District Judge Margot Coleman on May 29, to attend Westminster magistrates’ court to face three allegations of misconduct in public office.
But, following a hearing in London on Friday, Lady Justice Rafferty and Mr Justice Supperstone overturned the earlier decision.But, following a hearing in London on Friday, Lady Justice Rafferty and Mr Justice Supperstone overturned the earlier decision.
Addressing Johnson’s barrister, Adrian Darbishire QC, Lady Justice Rafferty said: “We are persuaded, Mr Darbishire, so you succeed, and the relief that we grant is the quashing of the summonses.”Addressing Johnson’s barrister, Adrian Darbishire QC, Lady Justice Rafferty said: “We are persuaded, Mr Darbishire, so you succeed, and the relief that we grant is the quashing of the summonses.”
The judge said reasons for the court’s ruling will be given at a later date.The judge said reasons for the court’s ruling will be given at a later date.
Launching a private prosecution Marcus Ball, 29, claimed Johnson lied during the 2016 referendum campaign by saying Britain gave £350m a week to the European Union.Launching a private prosecution Marcus Ball, 29, claimed Johnson lied during the 2016 referendum campaign by saying Britain gave £350m a week to the European Union.
He crowdfunded more than £300,000 through an online campaign to bring the prosecution.He crowdfunded more than £300,000 through an online campaign to bring the prosecution.
The £350m figure was emblazoned on the red campaign bus used by Vote Leave during the referendum, with the slogan saying “We send the EU £350m a week, let’s fund our NHS instead”.The £350m figure was emblazoned on the red campaign bus used by Vote Leave during the referendum, with the slogan saying “We send the EU £350m a week, let’s fund our NHS instead”.
Darbishire argued that the attempt to prosecute Johnson was “politically motivated and vexatious”.Darbishire argued that the attempt to prosecute Johnson was “politically motivated and vexatious”.
Johnson, who is currently the front runner in the Conservative party leadership contest, did not have to appear and did not attend the high court hearing.Johnson, who is currently the front runner in the Conservative party leadership contest, did not have to appear and did not attend the high court hearing.
And here are some tweets from Joshua Rozenberg with the arguments put to the high court this morning in favour of the case against Boris Johnson being allowed to go ahead.And here are some tweets from Joshua Rozenberg with the arguments put to the high court this morning in favour of the case against Boris Johnson being allowed to go ahead.
Jason Coppel QC, for Marcus Ball and Brexit Justice Ltd, tells High Court that right of a private prosecutor to right what he sees as a wrong by applying for summons is long established.Jason Coppel QC, for Marcus Ball and Brexit Justice Ltd, tells High Court that right of a private prosecutor to right what he sees as a wrong by applying for summons is long established.
Coppel QC: no public law error in the judge’s decision has been demonstrated. Supperstone J: it’s claimed that she erred as a matter of law and that’s a conventional public law challenge. Coppel: but Darbishire’s objection is to the substantive conclusion, not the process.Coppel QC: no public law error in the judge’s decision has been demonstrated. Supperstone J: it’s claimed that she erred as a matter of law and that’s a conventional public law challenge. Coppel: but Darbishire’s objection is to the substantive conclusion, not the process.
Coppel QC: it is incumbent upon [Johnson] to establish that district judge acted irrationally in deciding that low threshold for issuance of a summons was satisfied in this case. He does not come close to doing so. DJ’s decision was rationally open to her in public law terms.Coppel QC: it is incumbent upon [Johnson] to establish that district judge acted irrationally in deciding that low threshold for issuance of a summons was satisfied in this case. He does not come close to doing so. DJ’s decision was rationally open to her in public law terms.
The DJ is the district judge.The DJ is the district judge.
Rafferty LJ questioning Coppel QC on the nature of Boris Johnson’s public duties. He replies: not to make apparently factual statements which are known to be false. Rafferty LJ: how do you get to that? [meaning, how do you establish that duty?]. He cites judgment from New S WalesRafferty LJ questioning Coppel QC on the nature of Boris Johnson’s public duties. He replies: not to make apparently factual statements which are known to be false. Rafferty LJ: how do you get to that? [meaning, how do you establish that duty?]. He cites judgment from New S Wales
Supperstone J: did the district judge acknowledge that there was no precedent and she was extending the scope of misconduct in a public office? Coppel QC: no, but it was not her job to decide whether an offence had been committed. Rafferty LJ: shall we move on to your next point?Supperstone J: did the district judge acknowledge that there was no precedent and she was extending the scope of misconduct in a public office? Coppel QC: no, but it was not her job to decide whether an offence had been committed. Rafferty LJ: shall we move on to your next point?
If you are interested in the Boris Johnson hearing, the legal journalist Joshua Rozenberg has been tweeting from the court proceedings. You can read his tweets here.If you are interested in the Boris Johnson hearing, the legal journalist Joshua Rozenberg has been tweeting from the court proceedings. You can read his tweets here.
Here are some of his key tweets.Here are some of his key tweets.
Adrian Darbyshire QC for Boris Johnson tells High Court that the private prosecution by Marcus Ball was politcally motivated and so vexatious. He says the district judge who issued a summons against the MP erred in law and applied the wrong legal test. He wants summons quashed.Adrian Darbyshire QC for Boris Johnson tells High Court that the private prosecution by Marcus Ball was politcally motivated and so vexatious. He says the district judge who issued a summons against the MP erred in law and applied the wrong legal test. He wants summons quashed.
Darbyshire QC for Boris Johnson: the proper territory of the offence is serious misconduct in the discharge of a public office and not poor conduct by someone who is a public official (even when takes place on a public stage) — not about poor behaviour but abuse of official powerDarbyshire QC for Boris Johnson: the proper territory of the offence is serious misconduct in the discharge of a public office and not poor conduct by someone who is a public official (even when takes place on a public stage) — not about poor behaviour but abuse of official power
Darbyshire MP: misuse of an MP’s exclusive powers may constitute the offence. In contrast, an MP on the hustings exercises no official power over his audience; he is in that respect in the same position as the would-be MP standing next to him.Darbyshire MP: misuse of an MP’s exclusive powers may constitute the offence. In contrast, an MP on the hustings exercises no official power over his audience; he is in that respect in the same position as the would-be MP standing next to him.
Darbyshire QC: The problem of false statements being made in the course of political campaigning is not new and has not been overlooked by parliament. But parliament specifically chose not to do what the [private prosecutor] now seeks to achieveDarbyshire QC: The problem of false statements being made in the course of political campaigning is not new and has not been overlooked by parliament. But parliament specifically chose not to do what the [private prosecutor] now seeks to achieve
Apologies to Adrian Darbishire QC (and to readers) for misspelling his name on earlier tweets. Will teach it to my spellcheck.Apologies to Adrian Darbishire QC (and to readers) for misspelling his name on earlier tweets. Will teach it to my spellcheck.
Darbishire QC: It is abundantly clear that this prosecution is motivated by a political objective and has been throughout. It is now said that, whatever Mr Ball’s motives were at the start of this process, they are at present somewhat different. That is untenable.Darbishire QC: It is abundantly clear that this prosecution is motivated by a political objective and has been throughout. It is now said that, whatever Mr Ball’s motives were at the start of this process, they are at present somewhat different. That is untenable.
Darbishire QC concludes his argument applying for judicial review. He asks court to quash decision of district judge to issue summonses; and to declare that the prosecutor’s application did not disclose all elements of the offence of misconduct in public office and is vexatious.Darbishire QC concludes his argument applying for judicial review. He asks court to quash decision of district judge to issue summonses; and to declare that the prosecutor’s application did not disclose all elements of the offence of misconduct in public office and is vexatious.
The high court has today quashed the private prosecution against Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary and favourite in the Tory leadership contest, that was being brought on the grounds that Johnson allegedly committed misconduct in public office by lying in the 2016 referendum about Britain giving £350m a week to the European Union, Joshua Rozenberg reports.The high court has today quashed the private prosecution against Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary and favourite in the Tory leadership contest, that was being brought on the grounds that Johnson allegedly committed misconduct in public office by lying in the 2016 referendum about Britain giving £350m a week to the European Union, Joshua Rozenberg reports.
Summonses against Boris Johnson quashed. Reasons to follow.Summonses against Boris Johnson quashed. Reasons to follow.
Court confirms that it is quashing the decision of the district judge, on the assumption that the summonses have not yet been issued. Either way, the case is over. Court thanks both counsel for speedy submissions.Court confirms that it is quashing the decision of the district judge, on the assumption that the summonses have not yet been issued. Either way, the case is over. Court thanks both counsel for speedy submissions.
The Jewish Labour Movement has issued a statement this morning saying Lisa Forbes, the party’s new MPs for Peterborough, should have the whip withdrawn.The Jewish Labour Movement has issued a statement this morning saying Lisa Forbes, the party’s new MPs for Peterborough, should have the whip withdrawn.
JLM's statement on the result of the Peterborough by-election. pic.twitter.com/zEpYc2XAy4JLM's statement on the result of the Peterborough by-election. pic.twitter.com/zEpYc2XAy4
And here are some more tweets on the Peterborough results.And here are some more tweets on the Peterborough results.
From the Press Association’s Ian JonesFrom the Press Association’s Ian Jones
Peterborough was another good result for the smaller parties. pic.twitter.com/e5J3ges6WoPeterborough was another good result for the smaller parties. pic.twitter.com/e5J3ges6Wo
Labour hasn't improved its share of the vote in any fully contested by-election since the referendum.(Batley & Spen excepted - where none of the other parties stood) pic.twitter.com/IBhvsdMFwcLabour hasn't improved its share of the vote in any fully contested by-election since the referendum.(Batley & Spen excepted - where none of the other parties stood) pic.twitter.com/IBhvsdMFwc
From YouGov’s Chris CurtisFrom YouGov’s Chris Curtis
Feels like this is a failure of expectation management rather than an actual failure for the Brexit party.To come a very close 2nd with nearly 30% of the vote, considering they didn't exist at the start of the year, is really quite incredible.Feels like this is a failure of expectation management rather than an actual failure for the Brexit party.To come a very close 2nd with nearly 30% of the vote, considering they didn't exist at the start of the year, is really quite incredible.
Labour has lost over 1/3 of its vote share since 2017.Tories have lost over 1/2 of its vote share since 2017.That is quite something, even if Labour did manage to (just) top the ballot.Labour has lost over 1/3 of its vote share since 2017.Tories have lost over 1/2 of its vote share since 2017.That is quite something, even if Labour did manage to (just) top the ballot.
Labour has lost over 1/3 of its vote share since 2017.Tories have lost over 1/2 of its vote share since 2017.That is quite something, even if Labour did manage to (just) top the ballot.Labour has lost over 1/3 of its vote share since 2017.Tories have lost over 1/2 of its vote share since 2017.That is quite something, even if Labour did manage to (just) top the ballot.
From the politics professor Rob FordFrom the politics professor Rob Ford
Completely agree, however losing Peterborough makes it harder for BXP to convince voters they are credible election winning force, so therefore harder for them to hold on to current vote shares. They’ve not broken the FPP Tinkerbell spell yet https://t.co/01C98Z1pDYCompletely agree, however losing Peterborough makes it harder for BXP to convince voters they are credible election winning force, so therefore harder for them to hold on to current vote shares. They’ve not broken the FPP Tinkerbell spell yet https://t.co/01C98Z1pDY
Here is another useful Twitter thread on the Peterborough results from Chris Hopkins, head of politics at the pollsters ComRes.Here is another useful Twitter thread on the Peterborough results from Chris Hopkins, head of politics at the pollsters ComRes.
ComRes' Head of Politics @ChrisHopkins92 reflects on last night's by-election result from Peterborough and the wider implications for the UK's political landscape. A thread:ComRes' Head of Politics @ChrisHopkins92 reflects on last night's by-election result from Peterborough and the wider implications for the UK's political landscape. A thread:
Sky’s Lewis Goodall has a good Twitter thread on the significance of the byelection result. It starts here.Sky’s Lewis Goodall has a good Twitter thread on the significance of the byelection result. It starts here.
PETERBOROUGH BY ELECTION RESULT (AND WHAT IT MEANS THREAD)Con: 7243 (3rd)Lab: 10484 (1st)Brexit: 9801 (2nd)Lib Dem: 4159 (4th)Green:1035 (5th)RESULT: LABOUR HOLDMAJ: 683Turnout: 48%PETERBOROUGH BY ELECTION RESULT (AND WHAT IT MEANS THREAD)Con: 7243 (3rd)Lab: 10484 (1st)Brexit: 9801 (2nd)Lib Dem: 4159 (4th)Green:1035 (5th)RESULT: LABOUR HOLDMAJ: 683Turnout: 48%
Here is one of his key observations, but it is worth reading the whole thread.Here is one of his key observations, but it is worth reading the whole thread.
That's why when people say "where is the BXP manifesto?" they miss the point. They're not really a political party in many ways, at least not yet. They're a massive pressure group on the Tory Party, like UKIP was. That's where their significance in overall British politics lies.That's why when people say "where is the BXP manifesto?" they miss the point. They're not really a political party in many ways, at least not yet. They're a massive pressure group on the Tory Party, like UKIP was. That's where their significance in overall British politics lies.
My colleague Rajeev Syal has a good piece explaining the seven reasons why Labour won.My colleague Rajeev Syal has a good piece explaining the seven reasons why Labour won.
Seven reasons Labour won the Peterborough byelectionSeven reasons Labour won the Peterborough byelection
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been in Downing Street this morning. But he was not invited in. He was there to deliver a letter saying the Brexit party should now be included in the government’s Brexit negotiating team.Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been in Downing Street this morning. But he was not invited in. He was there to deliver a letter saying the Brexit party should now be included in the government’s Brexit negotiating team.
Nigel Farage currently in Downing Street. Not for talks, but to deliver this letter. Drafted expecting a victory in Peterborough, perhaps? Either way party thinks Euro results mean it should be involved in negotiations... pic.twitter.com/abZBTKjKc3Nigel Farage currently in Downing Street. Not for talks, but to deliver this letter. Drafted expecting a victory in Peterborough, perhaps? Either way party thinks Euro results mean it should be involved in negotiations... pic.twitter.com/abZBTKjKc3
The Brexit party made this a campaign demand during the European elections campaign. Given that the Brexit party want a WTO Brexit, which would not require any negotiating, it is not immediately obvious how this would work, but the letter suggests the Brexit party could get involved reviewing no-deal preparations.The Brexit party made this a campaign demand during the European elections campaign. Given that the Brexit party want a WTO Brexit, which would not require any negotiating, it is not immediately obvious how this would work, but the letter suggests the Brexit party could get involved reviewing no-deal preparations.
But some Labour MPs are finding it harder to celebrate the Peterborough byelection result because Lisa Forbes, the party’s winning candidate, had to apologise during the campaign for liking a post that said Theresa May had a “Zionist slave masters agenda”.But some Labour MPs are finding it harder to celebrate the Peterborough byelection result because Lisa Forbes, the party’s winning candidate, had to apologise during the campaign for liking a post that said Theresa May had a “Zionist slave masters agenda”.
This is from Margaret Hodge, the former minister, who has been one of those MPs most critical of Jeremy Corbyn and the party generally for not doing more to tackle antisemitism in the party.This is from Margaret Hodge, the former minister, who has been one of those MPs most critical of Jeremy Corbyn and the party generally for not doing more to tackle antisemitism in the party.
Seriously mixed feelings about the Peterborough result. I never want to see Nigel Farage’s party in Parliament. But Lisa Forbes & the Labour Party have a lot to answer for. We must learn lessons & never have a repeat of this. Have formally raised concerns with party leadership.Seriously mixed feelings about the Peterborough result. I never want to see Nigel Farage’s party in Parliament. But Lisa Forbes & the Labour Party have a lot to answer for. We must learn lessons & never have a repeat of this. Have formally raised concerns with party leadership.
These are from Jess Phillips.These are from Jess Phillips.
Woke up to news of Peterborough win. Glad that Brexit Party didn't win and am in awe of my Labour colleagues who ran a tough campaign well. But the reality is I cannot be gleeful or proud as I'd want to be because of how it shows that antisemitism is becoming normal in the partyWoke up to news of Peterborough win. Glad that Brexit Party didn't win and am in awe of my Labour colleagues who ran a tough campaign well. But the reality is I cannot be gleeful or proud as I'd want to be because of how it shows that antisemitism is becoming normal in the party
Lisa ignored and endorsed anti-Semitic things, I'll take her explanation and apology at face value &look forward to her proving as others have that actions not excuses alone can heal. But with every case the parties values chip away and our ability to stand up against hate erodesLisa ignored and endorsed anti-Semitic things, I'll take her explanation and apology at face value &look forward to her proving as others have that actions not excuses alone can heal. But with every case the parties values chip away and our ability to stand up against hate erodes
And these are from Wes Streeting.And these are from Wes Streeting.
Just spoke to @LBCLondonNews about the remarkable result in Peterborough. Here’s my take on what it might tell us about the current state of politics and some raw honesty about why I wasn’t there this week...Just spoke to @LBCLondonNews about the remarkable result in Peterborough. Here’s my take on what it might tell us about the current state of politics and some raw honesty about why I wasn’t there this week...
1. Normally an opposition party winning a by-election isn’t really news, but these aren’t normal times. The result is remarkable, shows that Labour can win in Leave areas, that we can’t afford to lose voters to Lib Dems/Greens in marginals and have great organisers and activists: pic.twitter.com/UT57IszD5z1. Normally an opposition party winning a by-election isn’t really news, but these aren’t normal times. The result is remarkable, shows that Labour can win in Leave areas, that we can’t afford to lose voters to Lib Dems/Greens in marginals and have great organisers and activists: pic.twitter.com/UT57IszD5z
2. I haven’t been in Peterborough this week - or helped since the social media activity of our candidate came to light. When I said zero tolerance I meant it. When I said I’d stand in solidarity with @JewishLabour I meant it: pic.twitter.com/os2G35aBNe2. I haven’t been in Peterborough this week - or helped since the social media activity of our candidate came to light. When I said zero tolerance I meant it. When I said I’d stand in solidarity with @JewishLabour I meant it: pic.twitter.com/os2G35aBNe
3. I didn’t want to see the Brexit Party win, but I don’t believe there’s a hierarchy of racism of prejudice or that antisemitism is the lesser of two evils. Labour is normalising antisemitism and I won’t be a bystander to it. pic.twitter.com/LwO5pC8hIa3. I didn’t want to see the Brexit Party win, but I don’t believe there’s a hierarchy of racism of prejudice or that antisemitism is the lesser of two evils. Labour is normalising antisemitism and I won’t be a bystander to it. pic.twitter.com/LwO5pC8hIa
4. I’ve given up any hope that the Labour leadership is serious about tackling antisemitism. They’re welcome to prove me wrong. I haven’t given up hope that the new MP for Peterborough can be true to her apology. Based on everything else I know about her I really hope she does.4. I’ve given up any hope that the Labour leadership is serious about tackling antisemitism. They’re welcome to prove me wrong. I haven’t given up hope that the new MP for Peterborough can be true to her apology. Based on everything else I know about her I really hope she does.
Jeremy Corbyn is in Peterborough to congratulate Lisa Forbes, the city’s new MP. Speaking to Labour supporters, he said the result showed why Labour should not be written off. He said:Jeremy Corbyn is in Peterborough to congratulate Lisa Forbes, the city’s new MP. Speaking to Labour supporters, he said the result showed why Labour should not be written off. He said:
What we did was offer the politics of hope, not the politics of fear. We offered the politics of hope to end austerity, to fund our schools properly, to employ our police properly, to give our young people a future in this country. That is what the Labour offer is about.What we did was offer the politics of hope, not the politics of fear. We offered the politics of hope to end austerity, to fund our schools properly, to employ our police properly, to give our young people a future in this country. That is what the Labour offer is about.
Everybody, all the experts, wrote Lisa off. All the experts wrote Labour off yesterday. Write Labour off at your peril. We are strong, we are very determined to offer that politics that invests in decent services, in decent housing, in decent healthcare and in good quality jobs for the future, and a relationship with Europe that doesn’t take us over a cliff edge.Everybody, all the experts, wrote Lisa off. All the experts wrote Labour off yesterday. Write Labour off at your peril. We are strong, we are very determined to offer that politics that invests in decent services, in decent housing, in decent healthcare and in good quality jobs for the future, and a relationship with Europe that doesn’t take us over a cliff edge.
Yesterday the Labour party came together on the streets of Peterborough. The Labour party came together in this campaign. And, on the day that Theresa May ceases to be leader of the Conservative party, my message is, to all the squabbling contenders for the Tory party leadership, bring it on. We are ready for a general election. And that general election will deliver a Labour government that will work for the many.Yesterday the Labour party came together on the streets of Peterborough. The Labour party came together in this campaign. And, on the day that Theresa May ceases to be leader of the Conservative party, my message is, to all the squabbling contenders for the Tory party leadership, bring it on. We are ready for a general election. And that general election will deliver a Labour government that will work for the many.
Normally politicians prefer to talk about actual election results than about polls. But in his interviews this morning after his party narrowly lost in Peterborough, Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been anxious to turn the conversation away from last night’s results and towards a YouGov opinion poll for today’s Times putting the Brexit party six points ahead of Labour and the Lib Dems, on joint second.Normally politicians prefer to talk about actual election results than about polls. But in his interviews this morning after his party narrowly lost in Peterborough, Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has been anxious to turn the conversation away from last night’s results and towards a YouGov opinion poll for today’s Times putting the Brexit party six points ahead of Labour and the Lib Dems, on joint second.
Here is an extract from the YouGov write-up.Here is an extract from the YouGov write-up.
The Brexit party takes the lead for the first time in our latest YouGov/Times Westminster voting intention survey, on 26% of the vote.The Brexit party takes the lead for the first time in our latest YouGov/Times Westminster voting intention survey, on 26% of the vote.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats are in joint second place on 20% apiece, with the Conservatives in fourth place on 18%.Labour and the Liberal Democrats are in joint second place on 20% apiece, with the Conservatives in fourth place on 18%.
Elsewhere, the Green party are on 9% while Ukip take 1% and Change UK, who lost half of their MPs this week, a statistical 0%. Votes for all other parties stand at 5%.Elsewhere, the Green party are on 9% while Ukip take 1% and Change UK, who lost half of their MPs this week, a statistical 0%. Votes for all other parties stand at 5%.
Farage said this poll result was unbelievably good for his party.Farage said this poll result was unbelievably good for his party.
Here is my colleague Dan Sabbagh’s take on the Peterborough byelection result.Here is my colleague Dan Sabbagh’s take on the Peterborough byelection result.
Labour's ground game helps secure coup in PeterboroughLabour's ground game helps secure coup in Peterborough
Michael Gove, another Tory leadership candidate, has now tweeted about the Peterborough result. Gove is a Brexiter, and he also (see 10.14am) thinks it shows that the party must deliver Brexit before the general election.Michael Gove, another Tory leadership candidate, has now tweeted about the Peterborough result. Gove is a Brexiter, and he also (see 10.14am) thinks it shows that the party must deliver Brexit before the general election.
A disappointing result in Peterborough last night, despite all the hard work by @paulbristow79 and team. Paul was a brilliant candidate who would have made a fantastic addition to Parliament, and anyone who has met him knows he will continue to be a great champion for his city.A disappointing result in Peterborough last night, despite all the hard work by @paulbristow79 and team. Paul was a brilliant candidate who would have made a fantastic addition to Parliament, and anyone who has met him knows he will continue to be a great champion for his city.
Results like last night’s show clearly that the Conservatives must honour the referendum result and deliver Brexit before risking a General Election.Results like last night’s show clearly that the Conservatives must honour the referendum result and deliver Brexit before risking a General Election.
We’ve got to come back together as a Party and work together to get Brexit done - otherwise we will lose to Labour and the Brexit Party and put Corbyn in Downing Street.#Gove4PM #ReadyToLeadWe’ve got to come back together as a Party and work together to get Brexit done - otherwise we will lose to Labour and the Brexit Party and put Corbyn in Downing Street.#Gove4PM #ReadyToLead
The Peterborough byelection result confirms that the issue of Brexit has turned the UK’s two-party system into a four-party system, Prof Sir John Curtice, Britain’s most respected psephologist, told the Today programme this morning.The Peterborough byelection result confirms that the issue of Brexit has turned the UK’s two-party system into a four-party system, Prof Sir John Curtice, Britain’s most respected psephologist, told the Today programme this morning.
Labour’s Lisa Forbes won the byelection with 30.9% of the vote over the Brexit party, which got 28.9%. The Conservative, who held the seat for 12 years until 2015, came third with 21.4%, and the Liberal Democrats fourth on 12.3%.Labour’s Lisa Forbes won the byelection with 30.9% of the vote over the Brexit party, which got 28.9%. The Conservative, who held the seat for 12 years until 2015, came third with 21.4%, and the Liberal Democrats fourth on 12.3%.
Curtice said that in the last general election in 2017 the two traditional main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, shared 95% of the vote in Peterborough, but got only 52.3% in the byelection. He told Today:Curtice said that in the last general election in 2017 the two traditional main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, shared 95% of the vote in Peterborough, but got only 52.3% in the byelection. He told Today:
Brexit has become such an important issue that rather than our traditional system of two-party politics, at the moment at least, we’ve got a system of four party politics.Brexit has become such an important issue that rather than our traditional system of two-party politics, at the moment at least, we’ve got a system of four party politics.
The two traditional parties, that are much happier talking about issues other than Brexit, have been joined by two parties: the Brexit party at one end of the spectrum; and the Liberal Democrats on the other, who are quite happy to carry on talking about Brexit. That’s the issue on which they are united and on which they seem to be winning votes.The two traditional parties, that are much happier talking about issues other than Brexit, have been joined by two parties: the Brexit party at one end of the spectrum; and the Liberal Democrats on the other, who are quite happy to carry on talking about Brexit. That’s the issue on which they are united and on which they seem to be winning votes.
Labour’s share of the vote in Peterborough was up nine percentage points compared to it disastrous showing in the European election. But Curtice said senior Labour figures could not pretend that the party was not losing support over Brexit.Labour’s share of the vote in Peterborough was up nine percentage points compared to it disastrous showing in the European election. But Curtice said senior Labour figures could not pretend that the party was not losing support over Brexit.
The idea, that the Labour party has been coming at this morning, that this all goes to show that the whole argument about Brexit and the legacy of the European election can be ignored, is wrong.The idea, that the Labour party has been coming at this morning, that this all goes to show that the whole argument about Brexit and the legacy of the European election can be ignored, is wrong.
The Peterborough result was consistent with recent opinion polls, he said and added: “Not as dramatic as the European elections but still more than enough to disrupt our usual politics.”The Peterborough result was consistent with recent opinion polls, he said and added: “Not as dramatic as the European elections but still more than enough to disrupt our usual politics.”
He pointed out that Labour’s vote in Peterborough represented the “smallest share of the vote that has ever been sufficient to win a general election in postwar British politics.”He pointed out that Labour’s vote in Peterborough represented the “smallest share of the vote that has ever been sufficient to win a general election in postwar British politics.”
Meanwhile, the Conservatives lost more than half the vote share they won in 2017, Curtice said:Meanwhile, the Conservatives lost more than half the vote share they won in 2017, Curtice said:
Some of the immediate pressure on both the Conservative and Labour Party will be thought to be eased, but if anybody comes away from this and thinks, ‘Oh, actually, you know, the impact that Brexit is having on our politics is beginning to disappear and dissipate’. Well, maybe it will eventually. But it certainly isn’t doing so yet on the evidence this byelection.Some of the immediate pressure on both the Conservative and Labour Party will be thought to be eased, but if anybody comes away from this and thinks, ‘Oh, actually, you know, the impact that Brexit is having on our politics is beginning to disappear and dissipate’. Well, maybe it will eventually. But it certainly isn’t doing so yet on the evidence this byelection.
Unless and until the Conservative party can deliver Brexit, it is going to be in trouble. And it remains the case that it looks as though the Labour party’s position on Brexit is not anything like adequate for the Labour party to be able to retain the kinds of support they had in the 2017 election.Unless and until the Conservative party can deliver Brexit, it is going to be in trouble. And it remains the case that it looks as though the Labour party’s position on Brexit is not anything like adequate for the Labour party to be able to retain the kinds of support they had in the 2017 election.