UK's Johnson will 'keep going' after by-election defeat
STORY: The loss of two parliamentary seats was a crushing blow to the governing Conservative party that prompted the resignation of the party's chairman and intensified doubts about the future of Britain's prime minister.
Following the losses in Tiverton and Honiton in southwest England, and Wakefield in the north, Conservative Party Chairman Oliver Dowden resigned in a carefully worded letter that hinted he believed Johnson should take responsibility for the election defeats.
The loss of Wakefield could indicate that his ability to win again in these areas at the next national election has been compromised. The by-elections were triggered by high-profile resignations of Conservative lawmakers - one who admitted watching pornography in parliament, and another found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage boy.
The transformation of Johnson from vote winner to electoral liability may prompt lawmakers to move against him again after months of scandal over COVID-19 lockdown parties at a time when millions are struggling with rising food and fuel prices.
Johnson has resisted intense pressure to resign after he was fined for breaking lockdown rules at his Downing Street office.
