Sunak faces conflicting calls over Tory path forward after bruising byelections

Loudest voices urge further tack to right after Reform UK gains but moderates argue general election can only be won on centre ground

For Reform UK to win 13% of the vote in a byelection is a long way from the heady days of Ukip taking 60% in Clacton in 2014.

However, that share of the vote was still a shock for the Conservatives on Friday morning, given that Reform is a newer party without the draw of Nigel Farage as leader or the rallying cause of Brexit behind it.