British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he takes "personal responsibility" for a crushing by-election defeat in a constituency never previously lost by his Conservative party.
The historic loss to the Liberal Democrats came in a seat the Conservatives held with a massive majority just two years ago.
"I take personal responsibility," embattled Johnson said in a clip for television news, calling the vote in the North Shropshire constituency "very disappointing".
"In all humility, I've got to accept that verdict," Mr Johnson said, insisting he understood "people's frustrations" and "what the voters are saying in North Shropshire".
The UK's Liberal Democrats took the seat with candidate Helen Morgan who won by massive 5,925 votes in the ballot triggered by the resignation of Owen Paterson.
The former minister had a near-23,000 majority in the 2019 general election when the UK Prime Minister achieved a landslide, but support evaporated as the Tories battle damning allegations on multiple fronts.
The new MP, the first non-Tory elected in North Shropshire since the seat was created in its current form in 1983, used her victory speech to thank party activists and to attack what she described as Boris Johnson's "lies and bluster".
Not only was the vote triggered by the sleaze scandal centred on Mr Paterson, it came after the beleaguered prime minister has been battered by claims of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street.
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The defeat will cap a torrid week that included the massive rebellion Conservative backbenchers dealt Mr Johnson on Tuesday over his new coronavirus restrictions as the Omicron variant surged.
Some 100 Tories opposed the plans despite Mr Johnson personally trying to win them over.
The measures passed with Labour's support but the rebellion only makes it tougher for Mr Johnson to introduce further restrictions if they are required to protect the NHS.
He has also continued to be battered by numerous allegations of lockdown-breaching parties being held in No 10 and by other Tories, including last Christmas.
Liberal Democrat candidate Helen Morgan
Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, who was leading an investigation into the lockdown-breaking parties across Whitehall, has "recused himself" following allegations of gatherings in his own department.
Mr Case had been tasked by Mr Johnson to investigate parties reported to have been held in Downing Street and the Department for Education in November and December 2020.
However following reports there were two parties held in the Cabinet Office in December 2020, a No 10 spokesperson said: "To ensure the ongoing investigation retains public confidence the Cabinet Secretary has recused himself for the remainder of the process.
"The work will be concluded by Sue Gray, second permanent secretary at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
"She will ascertain the facts and present her findings to the Prime Minister."
Another potential pitfall looming is ministerial interests advisor Lord Geidt asking questions about the lavish refurbishments at Mr Johnson's flat in No 11 over allegations the prime minister may have misled him.
The second by-election loss of what should have been a secure Tory seat since his landslide victory in 2019 will only jangle Conservative nerves further and dent Mr Johnson's authority.
His ability to win polls is what installed Mr Johnson as Conservative leader, but some may now wonder whether it was the "get Brexit done" slogan that swung the general election.
After the record backbench rebellion, senior Tories were questioning his approach.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said a leadership challenge has "got to be on the cards" if Mr Johnson does not change the way he deals with his own MPs.
Potential challengers within the Prime Minister's Cabinet have reportedly been jostling for position just in case a vote of no confidence is triggered.
Asked on Wednesday if Mr Johnson would quit if North Shropshire falls, the prime minister's press secretary said: "We are fighting for every vote."
The new MP, the first non-Tory elected in North Shropshire since the seat was created in its current form in 1983, made her speech immediately after the result was declared in the early hours of Friday.
Speaking from the podium at Shrewsbury Sports Village, she praised her "incredible" campaign team for their efforts in the most challenging circumstances.
Although few party supporters were allowed into the indoor bowling green where the result was declared, she told those present: "Your amazing efforts have delivered a gift of hope to our country, just in time for Christmas.
"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'.
"Your Government, run on lies and bluster, will be held accountable. It will be scrutinised, it will be challenged and it can and will be defeated.
"Tonight the people of North Shropshire have said enough is enough. They have said that you are unfit to lead and that they want a change."
Ms Morgan, who came third with just 10% of the vote in the same seat in the 2019 general election, added: "And let me say specifically to all those Labour supporters who lent me their votes today: thank you.
"You have shown tonight that, together, we can defeat the Conservatives. Not with deals behind closed doors, but with common sense at the ballot box.
"These are testing times for our country.
"Our NHS, as we know here in Shropshire, is teetering on the brink. Our rural economy is in a precarious state with people's livelihoods at risk.
"Our country is crying out for leadership."
Ms Morgan added: "Finally, thank you most of all to all the people of North Shropshire.
"Not just for your support throughout this campaign, not just for putting your faith in me to be your champion in Parliament, but for all the hard work and sacrifices you have made over the past two years, to get our communities through this awful pandemic.
"I will never take it for granted.
"My priorities are your priorities - improving our local ambulance service, GPs and hospitals.
"Supporting our farmers and defending our rural way of life. Helping our communities through this new wave of Covid.
"As your MP, I promise I will work for you and only you. I will always put local people and our communities first."
