Labour MPs told to ‘keep feet on ground’ after historic byelection wins

Starmer’s aides warn against complacency as huge swings from Tories raise prospect of 1997-style landslide next year

Labour has overturned massive Conservative majorities in a history-making pair of byelections, sending the Tories deeper into in-fighting and acrimony over the prospect of a landslide defeat at the upcoming general election.

The wins in Mid Bedfordshire and Tamworth prompted gleeful talk within Labour of a possible 1997-type win on the horizon, but Keir Starmer’s aides were quick to warn MPs and the party more widely against complacency.