2016 Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election

2016 by-election in Lincolnshire, England June 2020 April 2020 2016 Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election United Kingdom parliamentary Sleaford and North Hykeham constituency no 2015 United Kingdom general election 2015 2016 12 08 y 2017 United Kingdom general election 2017 37.1% File:Official portrait of Dr Caroline Johnson crop 2.jpg Caroline Johnson Conservative Party (UK) 17,570 53.5% 2.7 pp UK Independence Party Victoria Ayling UK Independence Party 4,426 13.5% 2.2 pp Liberal Democrats (UK) Ross Pepper Liberal Democrats (UK) 3,606 11.0% 5.3 pp Labour Party (UK) Jim Clarke Labour Party (UK) 3,363 10.2% 7.1 pp File:Marianne Overton (cropped).jpg Marianne Overton Lincolnshire Independents 2,892 8.8% 3.6 pp MP Stephen Phillips Conservative Party (UK) Caroline Johnson Conservative Party (UK) A by-election for the United Kingdom parliamentary constituency of Sleaford and North Hykeham was held on 8 December 2016. It was triggered by the resignation of incumbent Conservative Party Member of Parliament (MP) Stephen Phillips, who stood down citing irreconcilable differences with the Conservative government led by the Prime Minister Theresa May over Brexit—the British withdrawal from the European Union (EU). Conservative candidate Caroline Johnson won the by-election, comfortably holding the seat for the party with over half of the vote share. Phillips had won a large majority of 39 per cent in 2015, with the Labour Party candidate coming second. The constituency had been held by the Conservatives since it was first contested in the 1997 general election and was considered a safe seat for the party. Sleaford and North Hykeham was estimated to have had a vote share of more than 60 per cent in favour of leaving the EU in the 2016 EU membership referendum and Brexit was a key issue in the by-election campaign. Phillips had supported a UK withdrawal from the EU but resigned in opposition to the government's handling of the issue – he felt that Parliament was not being consulted sufficiently. Ten candidates stood in the by-election. The Eurosceptic UK Independence Party (UKIP) came second with 13 per cent of the vote, followed by the Liberal Democrats with 11 per cent of the vote and Labour on 10 per cent. The by-election result was widely seen as poor for the Labour Party, whose vote share decreased by 7 per cent. Background Constituency left 100 SleafordNorthHykeham2007Constituency.svg Location of Sleaford and North Hykeham within the parts of Lincolnshire that are within the Lincolnshire County Council area EnglandLincolnshire.svg Location of Lincolnshire within England (the Lincolnshire County Council area is in bright red) Sleaford and North Hykeham The UK Parliament constituency of Sleaford and North Hykeham is located in Lincolnshire, which is in the East Midlands region of England.https://members.parliament.uk/constituency/3732/location Location of Sleaford and North Hykeham UK Parliament https://web.archive.org/web/20200309181138/https://members.parliament.uk/constituency/3732/location live 9 March 2020 9 March 2020 The constituency covers a large area of the county south-west of Lindsey and consists of most of the district of North Kesteven as well as several wards of the district of South Kesteven.si 2007 1681 The Parliamentary Constituencies (England) Order 2007 31 March 2021 Sleaford and North Hykeham is a county constituency, which means it is partly rural. September 2018 The 2018 Review of Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries https://boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Final-recommendations-report.pdf Boundary Commission for England One: Report 10 https://web.archive.org/web/20200201131938/https://boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Final-recommendations-report.pdf live 1 February 2020 9 March 2020 In 2016, 75.2 per cent of adults in the constituency aged 16 to 64 were in employment, which was higher than both the regional and national averages.https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380240/subreports/pca_ea_time_series/report.aspx? Economically Active – Time Series 2020 Office for National Statistics https://web.archive.org/web/20210121180459/https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380240/subreports/pca_ea_time_series/report.aspx live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 The most important industries in the area are wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and human health and social work.http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380240/report.aspx Labour Market Profile – Sleaford And North Hykeham Parliamentary Constituency 2020 Office for National Statistics https://web.archive.org/web/20200309181450/http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380240/report.aspx live 9 March 2020 9 March 2020 The average gross weekly pay for full-time workers in 2016 was £437, less than the regional average of £483 and the British average of £540.https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380240/subreports/ashew_time_series/report.aspx? Earnings by Workplace – Time Series 2020 Office for National Statistics https://web.archive.org/web/20210121180932/https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380240/subreports/ashew_time_series/report.aspx live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 The constituency was first contested in the 1997 general election, when it was created as part of the fourth periodic review of Westminster constituencies.Waller Robert Criddle Byron August 2002 The Almanac of British Politics https://books.google.com/books?id=4LPsrwLbOs0C 7th 715 London Routledge 9780415268349 31 March 2021 Like all UK Parliament constituencies, it elects one member of parliament (MP) to the House of Commons using the first-past-the-post voting system.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50249649 General election 2019: What is the secret behind tactical voting? 13 November 2019 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200221165245/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50249649 live 21 February 2020 21 February 2020 The UK uses a first-past-the-post voting system, sometimes described as "winner takes all" Sleaford and North Hykeham has only elected Conservative MPs since its creation.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/06/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-voters-express-impatience-over-brexit-byelection-theresa-may-eu Sleaford and North Hykeham voters express impatience over Brexit Mason Rowena 6 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200222084834/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/06/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-voters-express-impatience-over-brexit-byelection-theresa-may-eu live 22 February 2020 22 February 2020 Stephen Phillips was first elected in the 2010 general election and was re-elected in 2015 with a large majority of over 24,000 votes, making the constituency a safe seat for the Conservative Party.https://news.sky.com/story/conservatives-hold-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-in-by-election-10688592 Conservatives hold Sleaford and North Hykeham in by-election 9 December 2016 Sky News https://web.archive.org/web/20200207134229/https://news.sky.com/story/conservatives-hold-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-in-by-election-10688592 live 7 February 2020 7 February 2020 Phillips won a majority of 38.9 per cent, followed by the Labour Party in second and the anti-European Unionhttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/feb/24/labour-sees-off-ukip-threat-to-win-stoke-on-trent-central-byelection Ukip falters against Labour in Stoke-on-Trent Central byelection Elgot Jessica 24 February 2017 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210330113125/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/feb/24/labour-sees-off-ukip-threat-to-win-stoke-on-trent-central-byelection live 30 March 2021 30 March 2021 a victory that will bring relief to party chiefs about the threat posed by the anti-EU party in the Brexit heartlandshttps://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/23/uks-labour-and-anti-eu-ukip-face-questions-after-damaging-election-defeats.html UK's Labour and anti-EU UKIP face questions after damaging election defeats 23 February 2017 CNBC https://web.archive.org/web/20210330113414/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/23/uks-labour-and-anti-eu-ukip-face-questions-after-damaging-election-defeats.html live 30 March 2021 30 March 2021 Labour won the Stoke-on-Trent Central seat by a comfortable albeit reduced margin over the anti-European Union UKIPhttps://www.scotsman.com/news/uk-news/ukip-set-hold-balance-power-insists-farage-1523769 Ukip set to hold balance of power, insists Farage Maddox David 11 October 2014 The Scotsman https://web.archive.org/web/20210330113614/https://www.scotsman.com/news/uk-news/ukip-set-hold-balance-power-insists-farage-1523769 live 30 March 2021 30 March 2021 The results built on the anti-EU party’s momentum from the European Parliament elections UK Independence Party (UKIP) in third. The Liberal Democrat candidate came fourth, while Marianne Overton of the Lincolnshire Independents came fifth and last with 5.2 per cent of the vote. Overton was the only 2015 candidate to stand in the 2016 by-election. Previous election results Previous election results in Sleaford and North Hykeham.chart Previous election results in Sleaford and North Hykeham.tab Graph of election results in Sleaford and North Hykeham, from 1997 to 2015 (some minor parties are omitted)https://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/521.stm Sleaford & North Hykeham 2001 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200216095511/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/521.stm live 16 February 2020 16 February 2020https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/vote2005/html/521.stm Result: Sleaford & North Hykeham 2005 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200216100235/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/vote2005/html/521.stm live 16 February 2020 16 February 2020https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/constituency/e04.stm live https://archive.today/20120710184332/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/e04.stm 10 July 2012 UK > England > East Midlands > Sleaford & North Hykeham 7 May 2010 Election 2010 BBC 12 May 2010 yes General election 2015: Sleaford and North Hykehamhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000929 Sleaford and North Hykeham parliamentary constituency 2019 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219192031/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000929 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Conservative Party (UK) Stephen Phillips 34,805 56.2 +4.6 Labour Party (UK) Jason Pandya-Wood 10,690 17.3 +0.4 UK Independence Party Steven Hopkins 9,716 15.7 +12.1 Liberal Democrats (UK) Matthew Holden 3,500 5.7 −12.5 Lincolnshire Independents Marianne Overton 3,233 5.2 −1.2 24,115 38.9 +5.5 61,944 70.2 +0.6 Conservative Party (UK) +2.1 2015 general election and Brexit Euroscepticism in the United Kingdom Results of the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum Endorsements in the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum At the general election on 7 May 2015, the Conservative Party won a narrow majority in the House of Commons, securing 331 of the 650 total seats, and the party's leader, David Cameron, remained prime minister, a position he had held since 2010 as part of a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2015-32633099 Election results: Conservatives win majority 8 May 2015 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210222200019/https://www.bbc.com/news/election-2015-32633099 live 22 February 2021 22 February 2021https://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/30/politics/uk-elections-david-cameron-ed-miliband/index.html Why Americans should care about the UK election Collinson Stephen 7 May 2015 CNN https://web.archive.org/web/20210302191851/https://edition.cnn.com/2015/04/30/politics/uk-elections-david-cameron-ed-miliband/index.html live 2 March 2021 2 March 2021 Labour came second with 232 seats, while the Liberal Democrats won 8 seats and UKIP 1; no other party that stood in the by-election won any seats.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/results Results 2015 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210222200230/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2015/results live 22 February 2021 22 February 2021 Due to the first-past-the-post electoral system used in British general elections, UKIP won fewer seats than the Liberal Democrats despite winning a higher vote share nationally.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/09/australian-born-leader-of-uk-greens-blasts-british-voting-system Green party leader condemns first-past-the-post voting system Gayle Damien 9 May 2015 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210330115055/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/09/australian-born-leader-of-uk-greens-blasts-british-voting-system live 30 March 2021 30 March 2021 A referendum was held on 23 June 2016 on whether the UK should leave the European Union (EU). As of the day before the referendum, 185 Conservative MPs declared they would vote to remain and 138 declared they would vote to leave. Phillips supported a withdrawal from the EU.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35616946 EU vote: Where the cabinet and other MPs stand 22 June 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219152215/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35616946 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats officially supported the continuation of EU membership.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/30/labour-voters-in-the-dark-about-partys-stance-on-brexit-research-says Labour voters in the dark about party's stance on Brexit, research says Mason Rowena 30 May 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200219152459/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/30/labour-voters-in-the-dark-about-partys-stance-on-brexit-research-says live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 only about half of Labour voters have realised their party is in favour of staying in the EUhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35945385 Wales and the EU Referendum: How the parties stand Williams James 1 April 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219153656/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35945385 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 UKIP supported the UK's withdrawal from the EU, which was the party's main policy. The UK voted to leave the EU, with approximately 52 per cent of votes cast in favour of withdrawal from the EU. The UK did not leave immediately; the referendum result led to a period of negotiations between the UK and the EU.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46318565 Brexit: Your simple guide to the UK leaving the EU 30 July 2019 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219151414/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46318565 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 The Conservative Party was officially neutral in the referendum, although Cameron campaigned to remain.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34505076 The people hoping to persuade UK to vote to stay in the EU 13 June 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219151952/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-34505076 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 The Conservative Party is neutral on the issue of the referendum Immediately after the referendum result was announced, Cameron resigned as prime minister.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36615028 Brexit: David Cameron to quit after UK votes to leave EU 24 June 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210222200605/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36615028 live 22 February 2021 22 February 2021 He was replaced in July 2016 as Conservative leader and as prime minister by Theresa May.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36788782 Theresa May vows to be 'one nation' prime minister 13 July 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210222200844/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-36788782 live 22 February 2021 22 February 2021 The result of the EU referendum in Sleaford and North Hykeham is not known because the results were totalled and announced in counting areas rather than in constituencies. The researcher Chris Hanretty published estimates of the referendum results from each constituency, and calculated that voters in Sleaford and North Hykeham voted 61.6 per cent in favour of leaving the EU. Based on these estimates, the constituency had the 125th-highest vote-share for withdrawal out of the 650 UK Parliamentary constituencies.https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/parliament-and-elections/elections-elections/brexit-votes-by-constituency/ Brexit: votes by constituency Dempsey Noel 6 February 2017 House of Commons Library https://web.archive.org/web/20200219131108/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/parliament-and-elections/elections-elections/brexit-votes-by-constituency/ live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/eureferendum_constitunecy.xlsx EU Referendum: Constituency Results 6 February 2017 Dempsey Noel House of Commons Library XLSX https://web.archive.org/web/20200219131459/https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/eureferendum_constitunecy.xlsx live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Resignation of Stephen Phillips On 3 November 2016, the High Court had ruled the UK could not invoke Article 50 to begin the process of leaving the EU without a parliamentary vote.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37857785 Brexit court defeat for UK government 3 November 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200229215805/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37857785 live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 The government appealed the ruling, but the Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision in January 2017.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38720320 Brexit: Supreme Court says Parliament must give Article 50 go-ahead 24 January 2017 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210330115933/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-38720320 live 30 March 2021 30 March 2021 The day after the High Court ruling, Phillips resigned his parliamentary seat over the issue, citing policy differences and criticising the Conservative government under May for failing to consult Parliament sufficiently over Brexit.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37872899 Tory MP Stephen Phillips quits over 'irreconcilable differences' 4 November 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200207135105/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37872899 live 7 February 2020 7 February 2020 Phillips had been critical of May's approach, calling for MPs to have a more decisive role in the Brexit negotiations, and had previously called for an urgent debate on the issue.https://www.itv.com/news/2016-11-04/conservative-mp-stephen-phillips-resigns/ Tory MP Stephen Phillips resigns over 'irreconcilable' differences with Government 4 November 2016 ITV News https://web.archive.org/web/20200229215302/https://www.itv.com/news/2016-11-04/conservative-mp-stephen-phillips-resigns/ live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 In the appeal, the Supreme Court later ruled against the government.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38720320 Brexit: Supreme Court says Parliament must give Article 50 go-ahead 24 January 2017 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200229215946/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38720320 live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 In his resignation letter to his local Conservative Association, Phillips said; "The referendum result gives the government no authority or mandate to adopt a negotiating position without reference to the wishes of the House and those of the British people expressed through their elected representatives".https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/10/pro-leave-lincolnshire-mp-compares-theresa-mays-brexit-strategy-to-eu-tyranny/ Pro-Leave Lincolnshire MP compares Theresa May's Brexit strategy to "EU tyranny" Pidluznyj Stefan 10 October 2016 Lincolnshire Reporter https://web.archive.org/web/20200229220648/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/10/pro-leave-lincolnshire-mp-compares-theresa-mays-brexit-strategy-to-eu-tyranny/ usurped 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 He set out three policy areas in which he disagreed with the Government: "its failure to appreciate the constitutional necessity of properly consulting Parliament" on leaving the EU; "the continued shirking of our responsibility for unaccompanied child refugees who have been forced to flee war and conflict"; and "the way in which international aid is now apparently to be used other than to assist some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people". He concluded by saying "It has become clear to me over the last few months that my growing and very significant policy differences with the current government mean that I am unable properly to represent the people who elected me". The Daily Telegraph reported that some Conservative MPs said that Phillips, who is a lawyer, may have been motivated by disappointment over not being promoted to Attorney General.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/04/stephen-phillips-was-furious-over-lack-of-promotion-mps-suggest/ Stephen Phillips was furious over lack of promotion, MPs suggest Hope Christopher Hughes Laura 4 November 2016 The Daily Telegraph limited https://web.archive.org/web/20200229222225/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/04/stephen-phillips-was-furious-over-lack-of-promotion-mps-suggest/ live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 [C]olleagues said Mr Phillips's motives were fuelled by frustration that he was overlooked for the position of Attorney General in the Cabinet The resignation was met with surprise among local councillors and some other Conservative MPs.https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/shock-surprise-lincolnshire-resignation-sleaford-north-hykeham-mp-stephen-phillips/ 'Shock and surprise': Lincolnshire on resignation of Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips Pidluznyj Stefan 4 November 2016 Lincolnshire Reporter https://web.archive.org/web/20200229220300/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/shock-surprise-lincolnshire-resignation-sleaford-north-hykeham-mp-stephen-phillips/ usurped 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 It came less than two weeks after the Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith resigned in protest against the government's decision to support the expansion of Heathrow Airport.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37764269 Zac Goldsmith quits as MP over Heathrow decision 25 October 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210105162256/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37764269 live 5 January 2021 5 January 2021 Phillips's resignation triggered a by-election in the constituency, the date of which was set on 7 November for 8 December.https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2016/november/stephen-phillips-resigns-as-mp-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham/ Stephen Phillips resigns as MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham 4 November 2016 UK Parliament https://web.archive.org/web/20200312150606/https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2016/november/stephen-phillips-resigns-as-mp-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham/ live 12 March 2020 12 March 2020 Candidates and campaign Candidates The Conservative campaign started on 5 November (the day after the resignation) with a candidate to be chosen on 10 November.Pidluznyj Stefan First three candidates come forward for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election http://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/first-three-candidates-come-forward-sleaford-north-hykeham-election/ 10 November 2016 Lincolnshire Reporter 10 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20200208183106/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/first-three-candidates-come-forward-sleaford-north-hykeham-election/ 8 February 2020 usurpedhttp://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/conservatives-begin-campaigning-for-stephen-phillips-former-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-seat-1-7665292 Conservatives begin campaigning for Stephen Phillips' former Sleaford and North Hykeham seat Jaines Daniel 6 November 2016 Spalding Today 9 December 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161109021200/http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/conservatives-begin-campaigning-for-stephen-phillips-former-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-seat-1-7665292 9 November 2016 dead Caroline Johnson, a consultant paediatrician who lives near Sleaford, was selected by members of the Sleaford and North Hykeham Conservative Association following a hustings (a campaign event where candidates give speeches).https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2016/11/caroline-johnson-wins-the-nomination-for-the-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election.html Caroline Johnson wins the nomination for the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election Wallace Mark Mark Wallace (journalist) 11 November 2016 ConservativeHome https://web.archive.org/web/20200312143051/https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2016/11/caroline-johnson-wins-the-nomination-for-the-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election.html live 12 March 2020 12 March 2020 She defeated two other finalists, local councillor Lindsay Cawrey and the Conservative Party's regional chairman Kelly Smith; the Lincolnshire County Councillor Richard Davies had also expressed interest in being the party's candidate. Johnson had stood in Scunthorpe at the 2010 general election, coming second to the Labour candidate.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/constituency/d88.stm Scunthorpe 2010 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219191829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/d88.stm live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 After her selection, Johnson said; "I am completely behind the Government's plans for Brexit and to deliver on the decision made by the British people".Russell Sadie Conservatives select doctor for Sleaford and North Hykeham MP http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/tories-pick-doctor-to-stand-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-mp/story-29886575-detail/story.html#AWGhzSwUOTWCqXju.99 11 November 2016 Lincolnshire Live 11 November 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161111203927/http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/tories-pick-doctor-to-stand-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-mp/story-29886575-detail/story.html#AWGhzSwUOTWCqXju.99 11 November 2016 At least three individuals put themselves forward to be UKIP's candidate: the Lincolnshire County Councillors Robin Hunter-Clarke and Victoria Ayling, and Suzanne Evans – a candidate in the party's leadership election.http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/update-ukip-candidate-victoria-ayling-joins-richard-davies-robin-hunter-clarke-and-suzanne-evans-in-showing-interest-in-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-seat-1-7664719 Update: UKIP candidate Victoria Ayling joins Richard Davies, Robin Hunter-Clarke and Suzanne Evans in showing interest in Sleaford and North Hykeham seat 5 November 2016 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20200207135613/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/update-ukip-candidate-victoria-ayling-joins-richard-davies-robin-hunter-clarke-and-suzanne-evans-in-showing-interest-in-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-seat-1-7664719 live 7 February 2020 7 February 2020http://www.lincsfm.co.uk/news/local-news/ukip-members-vying-for-chance-at-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-seat UKIP members vying for chance at Sleaford and North Hykeham seat 6 November 2016 Lincs FM https://web.archive.org/web/20200219193027/https://www.lincsfm.co.uk/news/local-news/ukip-members-vying-for-chance-at-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-seat/ dead 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Hunter-Clarke and Evans withdrew from the contest on 10 November, the latter because she would not have been able to stay in the party leadership contest if she had been selected.https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/ukip-councillor-pulls-out-of-race-to-stand-in-by-election-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-1-7673822/ UKIP councillor pulls out of race to stand in by-election for Sleaford and North Hykeham Hubbert Andy 10 November 2016 Grantham Journal https://web.archive.org/web/20200321114017/https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/ukip-councillor-pulls-out-of-race-to-stand-in-by-election-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-1-7673822/ live 21 March 2020 21 March 2020https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/ukip-leadership-contender-suzanne-evans-pulls-out-of-race-to-be-candidate-in-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election-1-7676536/ UKIP leadership contender Suzanne Evans pulls out of race to be candidate in Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election Hubbert Andy 10 November 2016 Grantham Journal https://web.archive.org/web/20200323123120/https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/ukip-leadership-contender-suzanne-evans-pulls-out-of-race-to-be-candidate-in-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election-1-7676536/ live 23 March 2020 23 November 2016 Ayling was selected on 13 November.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-37967698 Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election: UKIP chooses candidate 13 November 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219193813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-37967698 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 She had stood for UKIP in the 2016 Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner election and in the Great Grimsby constituency in 2015,https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2017/06/controversial-former-county-councillor-victoria-ayling-resigns-ukip/ Controversial former county councillor Victoria Ayling resigns from UKIP Pidluznyj Stefan 26 June 2017 Lincolnshire Reporter https://web.archive.org/web/20200221132020/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2017/06/controversial-former-county-councillor-victoria-ayling-resigns-ukip/ usurped 21 February 2020 21 February 2020 and previously in Great Grimsby in 2010 as the Conservative candidate.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21905321 Ex-Conservative Victoria Ayling says more to join UKIP Iredale Tim 22 March 2013 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200221132130/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21905321 live 21 February 2020 21 February 2020https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/constituency/b88.stm Great Grimsby 2010 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200221132305/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/election2010/results/constituency/b88.stm live 21 February 2020 21 February 2020 In 2013, Ayling was criticised after saying "I just want to send the lot back" in a video about immigration, and these remarks were brought up during the by-election campaign; she said that she had been referring to the deportation of illegal immigrants and that her words had been taken out of context.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/08/ukip-victoria-ayling-immigration-nigel-farage Nigel Farage defends Ukip councillor Victoria Ayling over immigration remarks Sparrow Andrew 8 December 2013 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200302163618/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/08/ukip-victoria-ayling-immigration-nigel-farage live 2 March 2020 2 March 2020https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2016-11-13/ukip-names-candidate-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/ UKIP names candidate for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election 13 November 2016 ITV News https://web.archive.org/web/20210123191654/https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2016-11-13/ukip-names-candidate-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/ live 23 January 2021 23 January 2021 The Labour Party selected Jim Clarke, a trade unionist, refuse collector and former postman.Pidluznyj Stefan First three candidates come forward for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election http://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/first-three-candidates-come-forward-sleaford-north-hykeham-election/ 10 November 2016 Lincolnshire Reporter 10 November 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20200208183106/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/first-three-candidates-come-forward-sleaford-north-hykeham-election/ 8 February 2020 usurped The Liberal Democrats selected Ross Pepper, who worked for an optician, on 11 November;https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38241100 Sleaford by-election: Voters prepare to elect new MP 7 December 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200323144813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38241100 live 23 March 2020 23 March 2020 he had stood in Lincoln in the 2015 general election, coming third.https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/politics/lib-dems-announce-candidate-for-louth-horncastle-1-9128518 Lib Dems announce candidate for Louth & Horncastle 4 November 2019 Louth Leader https://web.archive.org/web/20200219191316/https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/politics/lib-dems-announce-candidate-for-louth-horncastle-1-9128518 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Ross ... fought the Lincoln constituency in 2015 before contesting the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat in the 2016 by-election Marianne Overton, leader of the Lincolnshire Independents,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18502035 Councillor Sara Cliff resigns after attendance criticism 19 June 2012 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200219190559/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18502035 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Councillor Marianne Overton, leader of the Lincolnshire Independents and the shadow cabinet at the county councilhttps://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2019/05/independents-want-to-get-what-we-can-from-europe-before-leaving/ Independents want to "get what we can" from Europe before leaving Jaines Daniel 10 May 2019 Lincolnshire Reporter https://web.archive.org/web/20200219190743/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2019/05/independents-want-to-get-what-we-can-from-europe-before-leaving/ usurped 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Marianne Overton, leader of the Independent Network and the Lincolnshire Independents was her party's candidate. Sarah Stock, a National Health Service (NHS) campaigner and former nurse, was an independent candidate with a "Save the NHS" platform. The Green Party declared it would not be fielding a candidate and instead supported Stock.http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/green-party-supports-nhs-campaigner-in-sleaford-north-hykeham-byelection-1-7677151 Green Party supports NHS campaigner in Sleaford & North Hykeham byelection 12 November 2016 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20200208183146/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/green-party-supports-nhs-campaigner-in-sleaford-north-hykeham-byelection-1-7677151 live 8 February 2020 19 February 2020 The other candidates were Peter Hill, appearing on the ballot paper under the name of The Iconic Arty-Pole for the satirical Official Monster Raving Loony Party;https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/monster-raving-loony-party-standing-in-sleaford-by-election-1-7674525/ Monster Raving Loony Party standing in Sleaford by-election Hubbert Andy 10 November 2016 Grantham Journal https://web.archive.org/web/20200229225414/https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/monster-raving-loony-party-standing-in-sleaford-by-election-1-7674525/ live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020https://www.theguardian.com/politics/gallery/2017/sep/30/monster-raving-loony-party-conference-blackpool-pictures At the Monster Raving Loony party conference in Blackpool – in pictures Furlong Christopher 30 September 2017 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210105165615/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/gallery/2017/sep/30/monster-raving-loony-party-conference-blackpool-pictures live 5 January 2021 5 January 2021https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/monster-raving-loony-party-standing-sleaford-election-2122195 Monster Raving Loony Party standing in Sleaford by-election 10 November 2016 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20210222202141/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/monster-raving-loony-party-standing-sleaford-election-2122195 22 February 2021 22 February 2021 David Bishop of the Church of the Militant Elvis Party;Also called the Bus Pass Elvis Partyhttps://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/two-more-candidates-in-race-for-by-election-1-7692624 Two more candidates in race for by-election 23 November 2016 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20200301102356/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/two-more-candidates-in-race-for-by-election-1-7692624 live 1 March 2020 1 March 2020https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2016/12/sleaford-north-hykeham-election-live-chat-david-bishop-bus-pass-elvis/ Sleaford & North Hykeham by-election live chat: David Bishop – Bus Pass Elvis Pidluznyj Stefan 2 December 2016 The Lincolnite https://web.archive.org/web/20210121204408/https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2016/12/sleaford-north-hykeham-election-live-chat-david-bishop-bus-pass-elvis/ usurped 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 Mark Suffield, a North Kesteven district councillor;https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/independent-candidate-announces-he-is-standing-in-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election-1-7672422 Independent candidate announces he is standing in Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election Hubbert Andy 9 November 2016 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20200229225121/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/independent-candidate-announces-he-is-standing-in-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election-1-7672422 live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 and Paul Coyne, a Sleaford Town Councillor:https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/election-interviews-paul-coyne-independent-different-voice-parties-2089548 Election interviews – Paul Coyne – Independent – A different voice to the parties 25 May 2017 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20210121204005/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/election-interviews-paul-coyne-independent-different-voice-parties-2089548 live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/forget-the-big-boys-this-man-thinks-he-can-win-the-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/story-29966316-detail/story.html Forget the big boys – this man thinks he can win the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election Lincolnshire Live 8 December 2016 9 December 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161209172318/http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/forget-the-big-boys-this-man-thinks-he-can-win-the-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/story-29966316-detail/story.html 9 December 2016 dead the latter two appeared on the ballot paper with no stated party affiliation. In total, ten candidates stood in the by-election.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37995200 10 candidates for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election 15 November 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200209154824/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37995200 live 9 February 2020 9 February 2020 Campaign thumb|left|alt=Official portrait of a white man wearing a suit|upright|Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party at the time, visited the constituency during the campaign. The current and former leaders of UKIP (Paul Nuttall and Nigel Farage) and the leaders of the Labour Party (Jeremy Corbyn) and the Liberal Democrats (Tim Farron) all visited the constituency during the campaign.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38258976 Conservatives hold Sleaford as Labour pushed into fourth 9 December 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200323123813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38258976 live 23 March 2020 23 March 2020 Brexit was the main issue in the by-election.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/7-local-voters-on-the-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-byelection Seven voters on the Sleaford and North Hykeham byelection Walsh James 9 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200301101031/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/7-local-voters-on-the-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-byelection live 1 March 2020 1 March 2020https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/stark-warning-for-labour-sleaford-byelection-eu-referendum Stark warning for Labour as party slips to fourth in Sleaford byelection Mason Rowena 9 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200312150032/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/stark-warning-for-labour-sleaford-byelection-eu-referendum live 12 March 2020 12 March 2020 the minds of voters appeared firmly still fixed on the EU referendum UKIP campaigned actively in the by-election despite the Conservative Party's large majority.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38254111 Polls close in Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election 8 December 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200209155044/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38254111 live 9 February 2020 9 February 2020 UKIP hoped to perform strongly in the by-election due to the high level of support in the constituency for the leaving of the EU – Farage said "people here voted for Brexit and this is about getting the right deal, which you won't get if people vote Conservative".https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election-ukip-hopes-for-upset-victory-in-a7461651.html Ukip hopes for upset victory in Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election Stone Jon 7 December 2016 The Independent https://web.archive.org/web/20200301101535/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election-ukip-hopes-for-upset-victory-in-a7461651.html live 1 March 2020 1 March 2020 On 5 December, Farage campaigned in front of a poster on which "Hykeham" was misspelt as "Hykenham", which The Guardian speculated could hurt his party's chances in the election.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38214716 Farage campaigns in front of misspelt constituency poster 5 December 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200301103342/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-38214716 live 1 March 2020 1 March 2020 Ayling criticised Theresa May and the Conservatives for not proceeding quickly enough with Brexit. Jim Clarke, the Labour candidate, opposed Brexit during the referendum campaign but said he would now support it because of the referendum's result. Clarke argued the NHS was the main issue in the by-election, saying many voters had mentioned it to him. Clarke campaigned against the closure of an accident and emergency (A&E) unit in the area. The Liberal Democrat candidate, Ross Pepper, focused on gaining the votes of constituents who had voted to remain in the EU in the referendum. In the Richmond Park by-election that was held one week before the Sleaford vote, the Liberal Democrats won the seat from the former Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith in a substantial swing (Goldsmith stood as an independent, but the Conservatives did not stand a candidate against him).https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38178486 Zac Goldsmith ousted by Lib Dems in Richmond Park by-election 2 December 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200207132326/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38178486 live 7 February 2020 7 February 2020 The result was seen as a sign of opposition to Brexit because the constituents of Richmond Park voted to remain in the EU.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38184503 Analysis: Was Richmond Park by-election a vote on Brexit? Bateman Tom 2 December 2016 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200229224140/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38184503 live 29 February 2020 29 February 2020 [M]ore than 70% of Richmond voters backed Remain in the referendum The Conservatives were expected by journalists to win the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election; in an opinion piece in The Guardian on 4 December, the journalist Andrew Rawnsley argued that whether UKIP would overtake Labour was the most important question in the by-election, and speculated whether this could indicate a realignment of British politics based on views on Brexit instead of the traditional left–right political spectrum.https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/04/richmond-park-byelection-lib-dems-brexit-sleaford-earthquake Small earthquake in south-west London. Full tremors yet to be felt Rawnsley Andrew 4 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210105193332/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/04/richmond-park-byelection-lib-dems-brexit-sleaford-earthquake live 5 January 2021 5 January 2021 The main candidates are fighting a battle to appear the most anti-EU, with UKIP leaflets relentlessly painting the Tories as "Brexit backsliders" and Labour's candidate keen to highlight his willingness to trigger Article 50 despite having voted to remain. Only the Lib Dem candidate is concentrating on the 40% of voters in the constituency who backed remain last June. Rowena Mason The Guardian (2016) Result and analysis Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election, 8 December 2016https://members.parliament.uk/constituency/3732/election/375 08-Dec-2016 By-election 2016 UK Parliament https://web.archive.org/web/20200219193541/https://members.parliament.uk/constituency/3732/election/375 live 19 February 2020 19 February 2020 Conservative Party (UK) Caroline Johnson 17,570 53.5 −2.7 UK Independence Party Victoria Ayling 4,426 13.5 −2.2 Liberal Democrats (UK) Ross Pepper 3,606 11.0 +5.3 Labour Party (UK) Jim Clarke 3,363 10.2 −7.1 Lincolnshire Independents Marianne Overton 2,892 8.8 +3.6 Independent politician Sarah Stock 462 1.4 N/A Official Monster Raving Loony Party The Iconic Arty-PoleReal name Peter Hill 200 0.6 N/A No description Paul Coyne 186 0.6 N/A No description Mark Suffield 74 0.2 N/A Church of the Militant Elvis Party David Bishop 55 0.2 N/A 13,144 40.0 +1.1 32,893 37.1 −33.1 Conservative Party (UK) −0.3 The election took place on 8 December 2016.http://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/date-set-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/ Date set for Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election Pidluznyj Stefan 7 November 2016 Lincolnshire Reporter https://web.archive.org/web/20200207131412/https://lincolnshirereporter.co.uk/2016/11/date-set-for-sleaford-and-north-hykeham-by-election/ usurped 7 February 2020 7 February 2020 The Conservatives received more than half of the votes cast and won a large majority of 40 per cent and over 10,000 votes, described by Stephen Bush in the New Statesman as "one of the party's all-time best by-election performances while in government".https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2016/12/labour-slumps-fourth-place-north-hykeham-and-sleaford-election Labour slumps to fourth place in North Hykeham and Sleaford by-election Bush Stephen 9 December 2016 New Statesman limited https://web.archive.org/web/20200323122523/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/elections/2016/12/labour-slumps-fourth-place-north-hykeham-and-sleaford-election live 23 March 2020 23 March 2020 Turnout in the by-election fell to 37.1 per cent, which was described by The Guardian as "remarkably low even for a by-election", compared to just over 70 per cent at the 2015 general election. A 2019 article in a Scottish newspaper, the Irvine Times, discussed whether the low turnout was due to the time of year, and concluded that the fact that the fact that the election was in winter did not seem to have a large effect; the race not being close was also a factor (the Richmond Park by-election at the same time of year had a turnout of over 50 per cent).https://www.irvinetimes.com/news/national-news/17993605.winter-election-put-people-off-heading-polls/ Could a winter election put people off heading to the polls? 25 October 2019 Irvine Times https://web.archive.org/web/20210105165150/https://www.irvinetimes.com/news/national-news/17993605.winter-election-put-people-off-heading-polls/ live 5 January 2021 5 January 2021 The result was widely seen as poor for the Labour Party, whose vote share decreased by 7 per cent; the party came fourth, having been in second place in the 2015 general election.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/09/conservatives-hold-sleaford-north-hykeham-by-election/ Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election: Dr Caroline Johnson holds seat for Tories as Labour heads towards 'electoral disaster' Hughes Laura Kirk Ashley 9 December 2016 The Daily Telegraph limited https://web.archive.org/web/20200207133517/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/09/conservatives-hold-sleaford-north-hykeham-by-election/ live 7 February 2020 7 February 2020https://www.economist.com/britain/2016/12/09/the-sleaford-by-election-result-is-bad-news-for-the-labour-party The Sleaford by-election result is bad news for the Labour party 9 December 2016 The Economist https://web.archive.org/web/20200207133724/https://www.economist.com/britain/2016/12/09/the-sleaford-by-election-result-is-bad-news-for-the-labour-party live 7 February 2020 7 February 2020https://theconversation.com/conservative-victory-in-sleaford-by-election-cements-fears-of-lost-decade-for-labour-70015 Conservative victory in Sleaford by-election cements fears of lost decade for Labour Lee Simon 9 December 2016 The Conversation https://web.archive.org/web/20200209155431/https://theconversation.com/conservative-victory-in-sleaford-by-election-cements-fears-of-lost-decade-for-labour-70015 live 9 February 2020 9 February 2020 This woeful electoral performance will only serve to reinforce the widespread scepticism about the capacity of Labour under leader Jeremy Corbynhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/09/guardian-view-on-sleaford-byelection-may-day-corbyn-calamity The Guardian view on the Sleaford byelection: May's day, Corbyn's calamity 9 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210105170532/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/09/guardian-view-on-sleaford-byelection-may-day-corbyn-calamity live 5 January 2021 5 January 2021 An article in The Guardian described the party as "pushed into irrelevance" at the by-election.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/13/tristram-hunt-to-quit-as-mp-to-become-va-director Tristram Hunt to quit as MP to become V&A director Stewart Heather Brown Mark Walker Peter 13 January 2017 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210105170254/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/13/tristram-hunt-to-quit-as-mp-to-become-va-director live 5 January 2021 5 January 2021 Commentators blamed the party's stance on Brexit, which tried to appeal to voters on both sides of the Brexit debate – the party supported leaving the EU but called for free movement of people with the bloc.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/labour-mps-blame-brexit-lack-clarity-sleaford-north-hykeham-byelection-result Labour MPs say they fear party is alienating both sides of EU debate Elgot Jessica Mason Rowena 9 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200222090436/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/labour-mps-blame-brexit-lack-clarity-sleaford-north-hykeham-byelection-result live 22 February 2020 22 February 2020 The leadership of Jeremy Corbyn was also cited as a reason for the poor performance, including by Jess Phillips – the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley. David Winnick, the Labour MP for Walsall North, called the result "humiliating" and said it could foreshadow an "electoral disaster" for the party. Vernon Coaker, Labour MP for Gedling, said that the result was disappointing, and blamed the focus on Brexit instead of on issues like the NHS.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/sleaford-byelection-caroline-johnson-holds-seat-for-conservatives Sleaford byelection: Caroline Johnson holds seat for Conservatives Mason Rowena Weaver Matthew 9 December 2016 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20200222085910/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/09/sleaford-byelection-caroline-johnson-holds-seat-for-conservatives live 22 February 2020 22 February 2020 The result was considered good for the Liberal Democrats, whose share of the vote increased.https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/12/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-election-shows-labour-has-more-ukip-fear The Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election shows Labour has more than Ukip to fear Bush Stephen Stephen Bush 9 December 2016 New Statesman limited https://web.archive.org/web/20200215130507/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2016/12/sleaford-and-north-hykeham-election-shows-labour-has-more-ukip-fear live 15 February 2020 15 February 2020 The only party with anything to cheer about – other than the Conservatives – are the Liberal Democrats Tim Farron, the party's leader, said the result showed his party was the real opposition to the Conservatives. UKIP's performance was also seen in some quarters as poor, even though they beat both Labour and the Liberal Democrats, as their vote-share declined in comparison with the 2015 general election results. Aftermath Election results in Sleaford and North Hykeham from 2015 to 2019.chart Election results in Sleaford and North Hykeham from 2015 to 2019.tab Graph of election results in Sleaford and North Hykeham, from 2015 to 2019 (minor parties that never received more than 5 per cent of the vote are omitted); note that the Lincolnshire Independents did not stand in the constituency in the 2017 general election, and UKIP did not stand in the constituency in the 2019 general election. yes Johnson retained her seat at the 2017 general election, winning a large majority of more than 25,000 votes over the Labour Party candidate, who came second. She voted in favour of May's Brexit deal on all three occasions when it was voted on in Parliament, though it was rejected in all three votes.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2019/jan/15/how-did-your-mp-vote-on-mays-brexit-deal-meaningful-vote How did my MP vote on May's Brexit deal? Voce Antonio Clarke Seán 15 January 2019 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210121210919/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2019/jan/15/how-did-your-mp-vote-on-mays-brexit-deal-meaningful-vote live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2019/mar/12/how-did-your-mp-vote-in-the-march-brexit-votes How did your MP vote on extending article 50? Voce Antonio Clarke Seán Hulley-Jones Frank Holder Josh 13 March 2019 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210121211106/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2019/mar/12/how-did-your-mp-vote-in-the-march-brexit-votes live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2019/mar/29/how-did-your-mp-vote-on-the-withdrawal-agreement How did each MP vote on the withdrawal agreement? Clarke Seán Voce Antonio 29 March 2019 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210121211317/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2019/mar/29/how-did-your-mp-vote-on-the-withdrawal-agreement live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021https://theconversation.com/theresa-may-resigns-as-british-prime-minister-heres-where-it-all-went-wrong-117763 Theresa May resigns as British prime minister – here's where it all went wrong Allen Nicholas 24 May 2019 The Conversation https://web.archive.org/web/20210121211721/https://theconversation.com/theresa-may-resigns-as-british-prime-minister-heres-where-it-all-went-wrong-117763 live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 After May announced in May 2019 that she would resign as prime minister,https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48395905 Theresa May quits: UK set for new PM by end of July 24 May 2019 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210121205255/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48395905 live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 Caroline Johnson supported Boris Johnson in the Conservative Party leadership election to be May's replacement, arguing that he was the best politician to deliver Brexit.https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/brexit/update-sleaford-mp-caroline-johnson-explains-her-backing-boris-replace-theresa-may-tory-party-leader-2034910 Update: Sleaford MP Caroline Johnson explains her backing of Boris to replace Theresa May as Tory party leader Hubbert Andy 10 June 2019 Sleaford Standard https://web.archive.org/web/20210121203803/https://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/politics/brexit/update-sleaford-mp-caroline-johnson-explains-her-backing-boris-replace-theresa-may-tory-party-leader-2034910 live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 Boris Johnson won the leadership election in July.https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49084605 Boris Johnson wins race to be Tory leader and PM 23 July 2019 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20210121210034/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49084605 live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 At the 2019 general election, Caroline Johnson increased her majority over Labour further. After the 2019 election, the Conservative majority in the seat was 32,565 votes, which was the largest majority in terms of number of votes of any seat won by the party in the election.Uberoi Elise Baker Carl Cracknell Richard 19 December 2019 General Election 2019: results and analysis http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8749/CBP-8749.pdf House of Commons Library 10 https://web.archive.org/web/20200126132419/https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8749/CBP-8749.pdf live 26 January 2020 20 February 2020 Caroline Johnson voted in favour of Boris Johnson's revised Brexit deal in December 2020,https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2020/dec/30/how-did-your-mp-vote-on-the-brexit-deal-bill How did your MP vote on the Brexit deal bill? 30 December 2020 The Guardian https://web.archive.org/web/20210121211900/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2020/dec/30/how-did-your-mp-vote-on-the-brexit-deal-bill live 21 January 2021 21 January 2021 which was approved by Parliament, and the United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46393399 Brexit: What happens now? Barnes Peter 5 February 2020 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20200220124556/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46393399 live 20 February 2020 20 February 2020 The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and has now entered an 11-month transition period See also List of United Kingdom by-elections (2010–present) Footnotes Note Citations Category:2016 elections in the United Kingdom Category:By-elections to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Lincolnshire constituencies Category:December 2016 in the United Kingdom Category:2010s in Lincolnshire